Also Known As:

What is Thrombosis?

Thrombosis is a general term describing the condition that occurs when a blood clot develops within a blood vessel, causing the blood flow to be restricted or completely stopped. This blockage causes pressure to build up, and can result in very serious life threatening issues.

The two main categories of Thrombosis are:
•   Venous Thrombosis: When a blood clot forms in a vein
•   Arterial Thrombosis: When a blood clot forms in an artery

Causes

Virchow’s Triad (or the Triad of Virchow), describes the three broad categories that are thought to contribute to Thrombosis:
•   Hypercoagulability: Abnormalities in blood coagulation, fibrinolytic pathways and in platelet function
•   Vascular Wall Injury/Dysfunction: Injuries and/or trauma to the interior lining of blood vessels
•   Circulatory Stasis: The slowing or stopping of blood flow

Factors that can increase the risk of developing some form of Thrombosis include:
•   Inheriting a blood-clotting disorder
•   Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis
•   Injury or surgery
•   Pregnancy
•   Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy
•   Being overweight or obese
•   Smoking
•   Cancer and cancer treatments
•   Heart failure
•   Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
•   May-Thurner Syndrome
•   A personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
•   Sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving or flying.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Thrombosis vary depending on the area affected and the severity of the condition.

If a person notices any symptoms of Thrombosis, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, because severe life-threatening complications can occur.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Thrombosis is diagnosed by a Doctor using a physical examination and blood tests.

Depending on the type of Thrombosis, the Doctor may also order the following tests:
•   CT Scan
•   Ultrasound Scan
•   D-Dimer blood test
•   Venogram
•   Electrocardiogram (ECG)

The exact type and stage of the Thrombosis will determine the treatment used. The main treatments include:
•   Anticoagulant Medications
•   Antiplatelet Medications
•   Compression stockings
•   Inferior Vena Cava Filter
•   Endovascular treatment
•   Surgery
•   Thrombolytic Medications

Additional Information

There are various types of Thrombosis that can occur in the veins and arteries, including:
•   Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
•   Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT)
•   Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
•   Femoral Vein Thrombosis
•   Effort Thrombosis
•   Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
•   Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
•   Jugular Vein Thrombosis
•   Thrombotic Stroke
•   Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
•   Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
•   Retinal Vein Occlusion
•   Portal Vein Thrombosis
•   Budd-Chiari Syndrome
•   Renal Vein Thrombosis
•   Critical limb Ischemia (CLI)

Also see: Thrombus