Everyone has heard of a blood clot. But many do not realize how dangerous it is. The formation of a blood clot is a protective mechanism of the body that prevents blood loss when a vessel is damaged. However, its formation can be caused by disturbances in the functioning of the body without damaging the vessel. This article will explain how and why a blood clot breaks off, as well as measures to prevent the development of thrombosis.
What is a blood clot
A thrombus is a blood clot that forms in the blood vessels or cavity of the heart. There are two types: parietal (formed in large veins and the cavity of the heart) and clogging (in small vessels). Blood clots do not appear immediately, gradually. First, small plaques form, which grow and increase in size. When the clot breaks off, it sets sail.
Main reasons for education:
- change in the walls of blood vessels;
- increased blood viscosity;
- current violationblood.
Why does a clot come off
A detached blood clot moves with the blood flow through the vessels. The migration of blood clots is very dangerous, since they can move over a considerable distance and fragment. All these actions can lead to clogging of a huge number of vessels, and in narrow places, completely block the blood flow. What leads to thromboembolism? No one can accurately answer the question: "Why does a blood clot come off and exactly when you least expect it." For example, a man lived, did not complain about his he alth, made plans, enjoyed life. But suddenly he began to choke, lost consciousness and died. An ambulance doctor states sudden coronary death. "A clot broke off!" - he names the reason. To prevent such situations, experts recommend timely prevention.
Prevention
Doctors advise eating he althy. Eat more plant foods that do not contain cholesterol. Lead an active lifestyle, do physical exercises, run, walk more in the fresh air. Avoid dehydration. Drink more than two liters of non-carbonated water (not sugary drinks and juices, but pure water). Older people should control the pressure. Get a scheduled check-up every year.
Signs of a detached blood clot
Symptoms may vary, it all depends on the vessel in which the blood clot formed.
Arteri althrombosis results in:
- stroke (signs: neurological impairment);
- myocardial infarction (symptoms: pain in the heart area);
- gangrene (signs: pain, cooling, numbness and discoloration of the limbs);
- intestinal necrosis (symptoms: abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction).
With venous thrombosis, diseases manifest themselves depending on their location:
- thrombosis of the venous sinus and jugular vein of the brain of the head (signs: pain in the neck, visual impairment);
- thrombophlebitis in the lower extremities (signs: swelling, pain in the legs);
- thrombosis of the portal vein of the liver (symptoms: abdominal pain, cirrhosis, pancreatitis).
Treatment
In medicine, there are two ways to eliminate a blood clot:
1. Surgical method.
- Shunting. The doctor, bypassing the affected vessel, imposes an additional blood supply path.
- Stenting. More modern way. A stent (hollow cylinder) is installed through a puncture in the artery.
- Mechanical removal.
2. therapeutic method. Medications are prescribed: thrombolytics, which are administered intravenously, and antibiotics. Apply heparin-containing ointments, compresses with a solution of alcohol, install a cava filter - a trap for a blood clot.
The formation of a blood clot has two sides, like a medal. On the one hand, this process protects the body from bleeding, and on the other, it leads to sudden death. Which is highly undesirable. Take care!
