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Thrombosis is characterized by the formation of clots inside veins or arteries, which end up preventing blood circulation and causing symptoms such as pain and swelling in the affected area.
The most common type of thrombosis is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs in the leg veins, but the clot can also affect other, more serious sites, such as the lung or brain. Depending on the location affected, symptoms can vary widely, from swelling of the leg to loss of strength in the body or severe difficulty in breathing.
Regardless of the type of thrombosis, whenever there is suspicion it is very important to immediately go to the hospital, to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment to reestablish blood circulation, avoiding more serious complications that can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of each type of thrombosis
Symptoms vary according to the type of thrombosis:
- Deep vein thrombosis (in the legs): swelling, redness and heat in the affected area that worsen over time, usually with pain or heaviness, and the skin may become stiff. These symptoms can also appear anywhere else, such as arms or hands, for example.
- Pulmonary thrombosis: shortness of breath, severe chest pain, cough and excessive tiredness, which appear suddenly and worsen in a short time;
- Cerebral thrombosis: tingling or paralysis on one side of the body, crooked mouth, difficulty speaking or changes in vision, for example.
However, in some cases, depending on the size of the blood clot and the blood vessel where it is housed, it may not generate any symptoms. In addition, there is thrombophlebitis, which is the partial closure of a superficial vein, causing localized swelling and redness in the affected vein, which causes a lot of pain on palpation.
In the presence of signs and symptoms that indicate thrombosis, the emergency medical service should be sought immediately, so that the doctor can make a clinical evaluation and, if necessary, order tests such as ultrasound or tomography. This is because it is necessary to start a quick treatment with anticoagulant drugs, such as Heparin, for example.
How the treatment is done
Thrombosis is curable, and its treatment has two fundamental objectives, which are to prevent the growth of clots and to prevent existing clots from loosening. These objectives can be achieved through the use of anticoagulant drugs, such as Heparin and Warfarin, under the guidance of the vascular surgeon or cardiologist.
In some cases, it is necessary to stay in the hospital to adjust medication doses and perform other tests. After the initial period, it is also recommended to take some precautions, such as avoiding sitting with your legs down and always wearing elastic compression stockings, such as Kendall stockings, as this reduces the risk of clots.
Check out more details about treatment options for thrombosis.
What to do to prevent thrombosis
The prevention of thrombosis can be done through healthy eating, good hydration and regular physical exercise, which improves blood circulation, decreases inflammatory processes and prevents the accumulation of fatty plaques in blood vessels.
In people who have varicose veins, circulatory problems or who sit for a long time, it is recommended to use elastic compression stockings. In addition, in situations where it is necessary to remain stationary for a long time, as in the case of bedridden people, it is recommended to change the person's position regularly, at least every 2 hours.
When traveling, the person must get up every hour and walk a little, in order to facilitate blood circulation. Here are other tips that can help improve your trip:
Who is at higher risk of thrombosis
Some risk factors for the development of thrombosis are:
- Have a family history of some type of thrombosis;
- Obesity;
- Be pregnant;
- Have some blood disorders, such as thrombophilia;
- Perform surgery on the legs or feet;
- Use drugs that interfere with clotting;
- Stay in a very long rest period, whether lying or sitting.
In addition, elderly people are also at increased risk of developing blood clots and suffering from thrombosis, as blood circulation tends to be slower. Therefore, maintaining an active lifestyle for as long as possible is very important.