What are the main causes of blood clots in legs. How can you recognize the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. What are effective strategies to prevent blood clots during travel or prolonged inactivity. How is deep vein thrombosis diagnosed and treated. Why are some people at higher risk for developing blood clots in their legs.

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body, most commonly in the legs. These clots can be dangerous if they break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT and PE together are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

DVT affects millions of people worldwide each year, and it’s crucial to understand its causes, recognize its symptoms, and take steps to prevent it. In the United States alone, more people die from PE annually than from breast cancer, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.

How does DVT develop?

DVT typically develops when blood flow in the deep veins of the legs slows down or when there’s an increased tendency for blood to clot. This can happen due to various factors, including prolonged immobility, certain medical conditions, or genetic predisposition.

Primary Causes and Risk Factors for Leg Blood Clots

Several factors can contribute to the formation of blood clots in the legs. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention.

• Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest)
• Recent surgery or injury
• Obesity
• Pregnancy and postpartum period
• Older age
• Family history of DVT
• Cancer and its treatments
• Certain medications (e.g., birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy)
• Smoking
• Chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease)

Prolonged immobility is a significant risk factor for DVT. When we sit or lie down for extended periods, blood flow in the legs slows down, increasing the risk of clot formation. This is why long-distance travel, especially air travel, is often associated with an increased risk of DVT.

Are certain individuals more prone to developing DVT?

Yes, some people have a higher risk of developing DVT due to genetic factors or underlying health conditions. For instance, individuals with a condition called thrombophilia have an increased tendency to form blood clots. Additionally, those who have previously experienced DVT are at higher risk of developing it again in the future.

Recognizing the Symptoms of DVT and PE

Identifying the symptoms of DVT and PE early can be life-saving. However, it’s important to note that some people with DVT may not experience any symptoms at all.

Common symptoms of DVT include:

• Swelling in one leg (rarely both legs)
• Pain or tenderness in the affected leg
• Warmth in the area of the clot
• Redness or discoloration of the skin

Symptoms of PE may include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
• Rapid heartbeat
• Coughing, sometimes with bloody sputum

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for DVT, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications.

Prevention Strategies for Blood Clots in Legs

Preventing blood clots in the legs involves a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medical interventions. Here are some effective strategies to reduce your risk of developing DVT:

1. Stay active: Regular exercise improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of clot formation.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for DVT, so keeping your weight in check is important.
3. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration helps maintain blood volume and reduces the risk of clot formation.
4. Avoid prolonged immobility: If you’re on a long flight or car ride, take breaks to walk and stretch your legs.
5. Use compression stockings: These can help improve blood flow in your legs, especially during travel or if you have a job that requires prolonged sitting or standing.
6. Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of blood clots and many other health problems.
7. Manage underlying health conditions: If you have conditions that increase your risk of DVT, work with your healthcare provider to keep them under control.

How can you prevent DVT during long-distance travel?

When traveling long distances, especially by air, consider the following tips:

• Choose an aisle seat when possible to make it easier to get up and move around
• Perform simple leg exercises in your seat, such as ankle rotations and calf muscle contractions
• Walk up and down the aisle every hour or two if it’s safe to do so
• Stay well-hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Consider wearing compression stockings, especially if you’re at high risk for DVT

Diagnosis and Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

If DVT is suspected, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests.

Common diagnostic tests for DVT include:

• Duplex ultrasound: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to visualize blood flow in the veins
• D-dimer blood test: This test measures a substance in the blood that’s present when a clot is breaking down
• Venography: A contrast dye is injected into the veins to make them visible on X-rays
• CT or MRI scans: These imaging tests can help detect clots in the veins

Treatment for DVT typically involves anticoagulant medications, also known as blood thinners. These drugs help prevent existing clots from growing larger and reduce the risk of new clots forming. In some cases, more aggressive treatments such as thrombolysis (clot-dissolving medication) or surgical intervention may be necessary.

What is the typical duration of treatment for DVT?

The duration of treatment for DVT can vary depending on the individual case. Typically, anticoagulant therapy is continued for at least 3 to 6 months. However, some people may need to remain on blood thinners for longer periods or even indefinitely, especially if they have ongoing risk factors or have experienced recurrent DVT.

Complications and Long-Term Effects of DVT

While prompt treatment can often resolve DVT without long-term consequences, some individuals may experience complications or ongoing effects.

Potential complications of DVT include:

• Pulmonary embolism: This life-threatening condition occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs
• Post-thrombotic syndrome: This condition can develop months or years after DVT and may cause chronic leg pain, swelling, and skin changes
• Chronic venous insufficiency: This occurs when the veins in the legs are unable to effectively return blood to the heart

Long-term management of DVT often involves ongoing medical care, regular follow-ups with healthcare providers, and lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in DVT Management

The field of DVT research is continually evolving, with new insights into risk factors, diagnostic techniques, and treatment approaches emerging regularly.

Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Development of more precise risk assessment tools
• Investigation of novel anticoagulant medications with improved safety profiles
• Exploration of genetic factors that contribute to DVT risk
• Advancements in minimally invasive treatments for DVT

As our understanding of DVT continues to grow, we can expect to see more personalized approaches to prevention and treatment, tailored to individual risk profiles and genetic factors.

Living with DVT: Lifestyle Adjustments and Coping Strategies

For individuals who have experienced DVT or are at high risk for developing it, certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage the condition and improve quality of life.

Key strategies for living with DVT include:

• Adhering to prescribed medication regimens
• Maintaining regular physical activity as recommended by healthcare providers
• Using compression stockings as directed
• Managing weight and adopting a healthy diet
• Avoiding prolonged periods of immobility
• Staying informed about DVT and its management
• Joining support groups or seeking counseling if needed

It’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized management plan that addresses individual needs and risk factors.

Can DVT recur after initial treatment?

Yes, DVT can recur even after successful initial treatment. The risk of recurrence varies depending on individual factors, but it’s estimated that about 30% of people who have had DVT will experience a recurrence within 10 years. This underscores the importance of ongoing preventive measures and regular medical follow-ups.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for blood clots in the legs is crucial for maintaining vascular health. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to reduce risk factors, individuals can significantly lower their chances of developing this potentially serious condition. Remember, if you suspect you may have DVT or are at high risk, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care.

Top causes of blood clots in the legs and how to avoid them

Don’t let a plane ride or an extended couch potato session put you at risk. Here’s what to do to keep your blood flowing.

Blood clots that form in the deep veins of the legs (deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT) can cause leg symptoms. Worse, the clots can break loose and travel through the blood to the heart and then to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).

More people die from PE each year in the United States than from breast cancer. What causes DVT and PE, what are the symptoms, and how can you prevent them?

Causes and triggers

After your arteries bring oxygen-rich blood to your legs, your veins send the blood back up to your heart and lungs (for more oxygen).

“If blood in the deep leg veins doesn’t move fast enough, or if you have a condition that makes you prone to blood clots, a blood clot can develop,” explains Dr. Sherry Scovell, a vascular surgeon who specializes in venous disease at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Common blood clot triggers include

• being bedridden for long periods because of surgery or illness
• sitting for long periods — even three to four hours — in a car, plane, or train
• getting too little activity and sitting too much
• having blood pool in your legs because valves in a superficial vein don’t work properly (a varicose vein)
• taking a medication that promotes blood clotting.

Your risk for blood clots also increases with older age, a family history of DVT, a previous DVT, cancer, certain genes, COVID-19, heart failure, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, smoking, spinal cord injury, stroke, untreated varicose veins, and use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

Symptoms and risks

Be on the lookout for symptoms of two types of blood clots that can form in the legs.

A blood clot in the superficial veins. This is called a superficial venous thrombosis (SVT). “It causes redness, tenderness, or pain over varicose veins,” Dr. Scovell says. “Sometimes, an SVT can grow and become a deep-vein thrombosis.”

A blood clot in the deep leg veins. A DVT usually begins in one leg. “When you get a blockage, the blood can’t leave your leg easily. That leg can become swollen rather suddenly, and painful,” Dr. Scovell says. If your legs don’t normally get swollen, but one leg becomes swollen over a few days, that may be a sign of danger.

If part of that deep-vein clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, a PE occurs. “The clot gets stuck in blood vessels in the lung, you stop getting enough blood flow there, and that part of the lung dies. You have shortness of breath and chest pain when you take in a deep breath,” Dr. Scovell says.

Avoiding blood clots

There are apps available to help you determine your risk for getting a DVT. Dr. Scovell recommends an app called “Caprini DVT Risk,” available on iOS devices, such as an iPhone.

How can you avoid getting a clot when you’re stuck in situations that increase your risk, such as a long car ride? Keep the following tips in mind.

Stay hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol intake, and drink lots of water.

Stretch your legs. Get up every hour or two and stretch your calves or move your ankles back and forth repeatedly. “The calf muscles act like pumps and propel blood through the veins,” Dr. Scovell says.

Move your legs while you’re lying down. Bend your knees, or point and flex your feet.

Wear compression stockings. They’ll help prevent swelling and keep blood from pooling in the legs.

Pay attention to your position. Avoid crossing your legs, and periodically change your position while seated.

Get an aisle seat when traveling. On a plane, train, or bus, sit in an aisle seat so you can easily get up and move around every few hours.

What if you have symptoms?

If you have new symptoms indicating the possibility of a DVT or a PE, and if you can’t speak immediately to your doctor or nurse, go to the emergency room. “It’s an emergency, not something to check out on Monday if it’s Friday,” Dr. Scovell says.

Treatment typically involves taking a blood thinner for several months or longer. “We also have to figure out why you got the blood clot. If we can’t find a reason, you may need to take a blood thinner for a longer time,” Dr. Scovell says. “And we don’t want you to ever get a blood clot again, so you’ll need to be proactive about avoiding future risks.”

Image: © gradyreese/Getty Images

Deep vein thrombosis Information | Mount Sinai

DVT; Blood clot in the legs; Thromboembolism; Post-phlebitic syndrome; Post-thrombotic syndrome; Venous – DVT

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a part of the body. It mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh, but can occur in other deep veins, such as in the arms and pelvis.

This picture shows a red and swollen thigh and leg caused by a blood clot (thrombus) in the deep veins in the groin (iliofemoral veins) which prevents normal return of blood from the leg to the heart.

Veins in the extremities carry blood to the heart and lungs, where the blood is oxygenated. As the blood returns to the heart from the lungs, the arteries carry the oxygen-rich blood out to the body.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) affects mainly the veins in the lower leg and the thigh. It involves the formation of a clot (thrombus) in the larger veins of the area.

Veins in the extremities carry blood to the heart and lungs, where the blood is oxygenated. As the blood returns to the heart from the lungs, the arteries carry the oxygen-rich blood out to the body.

Veins carry blood back to the heart from the tissues. Blood flowing in the veins is under lower pressure and moves more slowly than blood flowing in the arteries. Blood is therefore more likely to clot in the veins, thus blocking the flow through the veins.

Causes

DVT is most common in adults over age 60. But it can occur at any age. When a clot breaks off and moves through the bloodstream, it is called an embolism. An embolism can get stuck in the blood vessels in the brain, lungs, heart, or another area, leading to severe damage.

Blood clots may form when something slows or changes the flow of blood in the veins. Risk factors include:

• A pacemaker catheter that has been passed through the vein in the groin
• Bed rest or sitting in one position for too long, such as plane travel
• Family history of blood clots
• Fractures in the pelvis or legs
• Giving birth within the last 6 months
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Recent surgery (most commonly hip, knee, or female pelvic surgery)
• Too many blood cells being made by the bone marrow, causing the blood to be thicker than normal (polycythemia vera)
• Having an indwelling (long-term) catheter in a blood vessel

Blood is more likely to clot in someone who has certain problems or disorders, such as:

• Cancer
• Certain autoimmune disorders, such as lupus
• Cigarette smoking
• Conditions that make it more likely to develop blood clots
• Taking estrogens or birth control pills (this risk is even higher with smoking)

Sitting for long periods when traveling can increase the risk for DVT. This is most likely when you also have one or more of the risk factors listed above.

Symptoms

DVT mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh, most often on one side of the body. The clot can block blood flow and cause:

• Changes in skin color (redness)
• Leg pain
• Leg swelling (edema)
• Skin that feels warm to the touch

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. The exam may show a red, swollen, or tender leg.

The two tests that are often done first to diagnose a DVT are:

• D-dimer blood test
• Doppler ultrasound exam of the area of concern

A pelvic MRI may be done if the blood clot is in the pelvis, such as after pregnancy.

Blood tests may be done to check if you have an increased chance of blood clotting, including:

• Activated protein C resistance (checks for the Factor V Leiden mutation)
• Antithrombin III levels
• Antiphospholipid antibodies
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Genetic testing to look for mutations that make you more likely to develop blood clots, such as the prothrombin G20210A mutation
• Lupus anticoagulant
• Protein C and protein S levels

Treatment

Your provider will give you medicine to thin your blood (called an anticoagulant). This will keep more clots from forming or old ones from getting bigger.

Heparin is often the first medicine you will receive.

• If heparin is given through a vein (IV), you must stay in the hospital. However, most people can be treated without staying in the hospital.
• Low molecular weight heparin can be given by injection under your skin once or twice a day. You may not need to stay in the hospital as long, or at all, if you are prescribed this type of heparin.

One type of blood-thinning medicine called warfarin (Coumadin or Jantoven) may be started along with heparin. Warfarin is taken by mouth. It takes several days to fully work.

Another class of blood thinners works differently than warfarin. Examples of this class of medicines, called direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), include:

• Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
• Apixaban (Eliquis)
• Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
• Edoxaban (Savaysa)

These drugs work in a similar way to heparin and can be used right away in place of heparin. Your provider will decide which medicine is right for you.

You will most likely take a blood thinner for at least 3 months. Some people take it longer, or even for the rest of their lives, depending on their risk for another clot.

When you are taking a blood thinning medicine, you are more likely to bleed, even from activities you have always done. If you are taking a blood thinner at home:

• Take the medicine just the way your provider prescribed it.
• Ask the provider what to do if you miss a dose.
• Get blood tests as advised by your provider to make sure you are taking the right dose. These tests are usually needed with people who are taking warfarin.
• Learn how to take other medicines and when to eat.
• Find out how to watch for problems caused by the medicine.

In rare cases, you may need surgery instead of or in addition to anticoagulants. Surgery may involve:

• Placing a filter in the body’s largest vein to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs
• Removing a large blood clot from the vein or injecting clot-busting medicines

Follow any other instructions you are given to treat your DVT.

Outlook (Prognosis)

DVT often goes away without a problem, but the condition can return. The symptoms can appear right away or you may not develop them for 1 or more years afterward. Wearing compression stockings during and after the DVT may help prevent this problem.

Possible Complications

Complications of DVT may include:

• Fatal pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the thigh are more likely to break off and travel to the lungs than blood clots in the lower leg or other parts of the body)
• Constant pain and swelling (post-phlebitic or post-thrombotic syndrome)
• Varicose veins
• Non-healing ulcers (less common)
• Changes in skin color

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of DVT.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have DVT and you develop:

• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Loss of consciousness
• Other severe symptoms

Prevention

To prevent DVT:

• Move your legs often during long plane trips, car trips, and other situations in which you are sitting or lying down for long periods.
• Take blood-thinning medicines your provider prescribes.
• DO NOT smoke. Talk to your provider if you need help quitting.

Kabrhel C. Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 74.

Lockhart ME, Umphrey HR, Weber TM, Robbin ML. Peripheral vessels. In: Rumack CM, Levine D, eds. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 27.

Siegal D, Lim W. Venous thromboembolism. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 142.

Stevens SM, Woller SC, Kreuziger LB, et al. Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: second update of the CHEST guideline and expert panel report. Chest. 2021 Dec;160(6):e545-e608. Epub 2021 Aug 2. PMID: 34352278. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34352278/.

Last reviewed on: 1/25/2022

Reviewed by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis

• July 13, 2021

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but may be asymptomatic.

• Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
• Causes of deep vein thrombosis
• Risk factors
• DVT complications
• Prevention of thrombosis

DVT may be associated with diseases that affect the blood clotting process. A blood clot in your legs can also form if you don’t move for a long time, such as after surgery or an accident. But walking extremely long distances can lead to blood clots.

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition because blood clots in your veins can travel through your bloodstream and get stuck in your lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). However, pulmonary embolism may occur without evidence of DVT.

When DVT and pulmonary embolism occur at the same time, it is called venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of DVT:

• Swelling of the affected leg. In rare cases, swelling appears on both legs.
• Pain in the leg. The pain often starts in the calf and may feel like spasms or soreness.
• Red or discolored skin on the leg.
• Sensation of warmth in the affected leg.

Deep vein thrombosis may occur without noticeable symptoms.

When to see a doctor

If you have signs or symptoms of DVT, see your doctor.

If you have signs or symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis, seek emergency medical attention.

Call 103

Warning signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort that is aggravated by taking a deep breath or coughing.
• Feeling dizzy or dizzy or fainting
• Rapid pulse
• Fast breathing
• Cough with blood

Suspect deep vein thrombosis? Contact the professionals.

Causes

Anything that interferes with the normal flow or clotting of blood can cause blood clots.

The main causes of DVT are damage to the vein from surgery or trauma, and inflammation from infection or trauma.

Risk factors

Many factors can increase the risk of developing DVT, which include:

• Age. The risk of DVT increases at age 60, although it can occur at any age.
• Sitting for long periods of time, such as while driving or flying. When your legs remain motionless for several hours, your calf muscles do not contract. Muscle contractions promote blood circulation.
• Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay or paralysis. Blood clots can form in the calves if the calf muscles are not used for a long time.
• Injury or surgery. Injury to the veins or surgery may increase the risk of blood clots.
• Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases pressure in the veins of the pelvis and legs. Women with an inherited bleeding disorder are at particular risk. The risk of blood clots as a result of pregnancy may remain up to six weeks after the baby is born.
• Contraceptive pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy. Both factors can increase the ability of the blood to clot.
• Exposure to drugs or chemicals. Certain drugs can cause blood clots. Before use, consult your doctor.
• Overweight or obese. Excess weight increases pressure in the veins of the pelvis and legs.
• Smoking. Smoking affects clotting and circulation, which may increase the risk of DVT.
• Cancer. Some forms of cancer increase blood levels of substances that cause blood clotting. Some forms of cancer treatment also increase the risk of blood clots.
• Heart failure. Increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Because people with heart failure have limited heart and lung function, symptoms caused by even a small pulmonary embolism are more noticeable.
• Inflammatory bowel disease. Bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increases the risk of DVT.
• Personal or family history of DVT or PE. If you or someone in your family has had one or both of these, you may be at greater risk of developing DVT.
• Genetics. Some people inherit genetic risk factors or disorders, such as factor V Leiden, that make their blood clot more easily. The hereditary disease itself may not cause blood clots unless it is combined with one or more other risk factors.
• Risk factor unknown. Sometimes a blood clot in a vein can occur without an obvious underlying risk factor. This is called unprovoked VTE.

Complications

Complications of DVT may include:

• Pulmonary embolism (PE). PE is a potentially life-threatening complication associated with DVT. This happens when a blood vessel in your lung is blocked by a clot that travels to your lung from another part of your body, usually your leg.
  If you have signs and symptoms of PE, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain when inhaling or coughing, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, feeling weak or faint, and coughing up blood can occur with PE.
• Post-phlebitic syndrome. Damage to a vein by a thrombus reduces blood flow to the affected areas, causing leg pain and swelling, skin discoloration, and skin ulcers.
• Complications of treatment. Complications may arise from blood thinners used to treat DVT. Bleeding is a side effect of anticoagulants. It is important to have regular blood tests while taking these medications.

Prophylaxis

Measures to prevent deep vein thrombosis include the following:

• Don’t sit still. If you have had surgery or otherwise been on bed rest, try to get back to work as soon as possible. If you are sitting for a while, do not cross your legs as this can block blood flow. If you are traveling long distances by car, stop about every hour and take a walk.
  If you are on an airplane, stand or walk from time to time. If you can’t do this, stretch your shins. Do some exercises. Try raising and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor, then lift your toes while resting your heels on the floor.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of developing DVT.
• Exercise and control your weight. Obesity is a risk factor for DVT. Regular exercise reduces the risk of blood clots, which is especially important for people who sit a lot or travel frequently.

16 Department of Vascular Surgery

Updated by experts. Last edited: July 13, 2021

symptoms, causes, treatment of thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities, arteries (deep / superficial) – Department of Phlebology – NCC No. 2 (Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences) in Moscow

What is it?

Thrombosis is a pathological condition in which dense blood clots (thrombi) form in the vessels, slowing down or completely stopping the normal flow of blood. As a result, there may be a lack of nutrition of organs (ischemia), which in turn can lead to tissue death (necrosis, infarction) and death. There are two types of thrombosis: venous and arterial. From the names it is clear where the formation of blood clots occurs. In the first case – in the veins, in the second – in the arteries. The disease can occur in acute and chronic form. Arterial thrombosis is the most dangerous.

Main causes

There are three main factors for thrombus formation.

1. Damage to the vessel wall (as a result of trauma, surgery and malnutrition (cholesterol plaques form), infection, heavy lifting, childbirth, etc.).
2. Blood clotting disorder (tendency to increased clotting). Changes in blood clotting may occur due to metabolic disorders or hormonal imbalances.
3. Blood stasis . Occurs when a person remains motionless for a long time in one position (for example, in front of a computer, in an airplane seat or chained to a bed).

The risk group can also include people with varicose veins who are overweight, bad habits, leading a passive lifestyle, as well as people over 60 years old.

Symptoms of thrombosis

For arterial thrombosis, the following symptoms are characteristic:

• Sharp pain that occurs in one place and spreads to adjacent areas in the form of a pulsating stream
• Feeling of numbness of the extremities depending on the location of the thrombus, as a result of which they lose sensation and become cold
• Shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, chest tightness (with blockage of the pulmonary artery)
• Dizziness, speech disorder (with blockage of cerebral arteries)

At venous thrombosis is observed:

• Increasing pain in the affected area
• Swelling and thickening of the veins at the location of the thrombus
• The color of the skin in this place becomes blue
• Swelling and bulging of superficial veins.

Disease diagnosis

When contacting a medical institution, the doctor diagnoses and prescribes treatment. Main diagnostic methods:

• Blood clotting tests
• Magnetic resonance phlebography
• Duplex/triplex scanning of lower limb arteries
• Duplex/triplex lower extremity vein scanning
• Duplex/triplex scanning of extracranial brachiocephalic arteries
• Duplex/triplex scanning of intracranial brachiocephalic arteries
• Duplex/triplex scanning of arteries and veins of the upper extremities
• Ascending phlebography with contrast agent
• Radionuclide thrombus location scan
• Thromboelastography.

Professionals to contact:

• Phlebologist
• Vascular surgeon
• Cardiologist
• Neurologist and others

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the disease, conservative and surgical treatment is possible.