Many people are interested in the question of what thrombosis is. This is a vascular disease, which is to some extent associated with a violation of blood clotting, a violation of normal blood flow. A thrombus is, by and large, a blood clot that blocks the lumen of a vessel. Naturally, such a pathology can lead to a huge number of complications, up to the death of the patient. So what are the causes of the development of the disease? What symptoms should I look out for?
What is thrombosis?
It is worth noting that many people are faced with such a diagnosis as thrombosis. A thrombus is a blood clot, the formation of which is a natural process. This is an adaptation of the body that helps stop bleeding when blood vessels are damaged.
However, sometimes the formation of blood clots is not associated with damage to the vascular walls. In such cases, we are talking about a pathological process. After all, clots do not eliminate the "leak" in the veins and arteries, but simply circulate throughvessels. Over time, blood clots can increase in size, reducing the lumen of blood vessels. Accordingly, the blood flow is disturbed, which affects the work of the whole organism. The tissues do not receive enough nutrients and oxygen, as a result of which their trophic changes are observed.
Pathology in the absence of timely treatment leads to dangerous complications. Thromboembolism is an acute condition that is accompanied by the separation of a blood clot and complete blockage of vital vessels (in particular, the pulmonary artery). Such a pathology often develops so quickly that the patient dies long before he gets to the medical department. That is why it is important to know what thrombosis is and what symptoms it comes with.
Main causes of disease development
According to the information that researchers were able to obtain, there are three main causes, the simultaneous presence of which in almost 100% of cases leads to the development of thrombosis:
- violation of the integrity of the vessel wall (can be caused by both direct mechanical damage and exposure to tissue infectious toxins);
- a sharp decrease in the speed of blood flow (such a violation may be the result of compression of the vascular wall, or, for example, insufficiency of venous valves);
- increased blood clotting (causes in this case include congenital anomalies in the development and structure of platelets, exposure to chemicals, including some drugsdrugs).
The main etiological causes of the development of the disease are described above. But certain factors lead to their appearance, which are also worth considering:
- more likely to suffer from thrombosis in old age;
- the likelihood of developing the disease is not excluded among young people who, for one reason or another, are forced to spend a long time in a sitting position, as well as lead a sedentary lifestyle; this is due to a violation of blood flow to the heart and a gradual decrease in the tone of the muscles of the lower extremities;
- blood clots form in people who have to stay in bed for a long time for the same reason;
- Risk factors include abdominal surgery;
- thrombosis can develop in a woman after a caesarean section;
- Overweight and obesity also increase the likelihood of developing the disease;
- long-term use of drugs that affect blood clotting can cause a clot to form;
- smoking causes vasospasm and, accordingly, also increases the risk of developing pathology;
- Risk factors include implants (e.g. pacemakers) and prolonged catheterization;
- prolonged use of hormonal drugs, including contraceptives, can also affect the state of the vascular system;
- protracted infectious diseases can damage the walls of blood vessels, which provokes the development of thrombosis.
Quite often, thrombosis develops against the background of other diseases, including, for example,endarteritis, diabetes mellitus, etc.
Types of thrombosis
Naturally, there are several classification systems for this pathology. Nevertheless, first of all, the disease is divided depending on which vessels it affects:
- The most common is venous thrombosis. Such a pathology is accompanied by blood clotting and the formation of clots in the lumen of the veins. Most often, the disease affects the deep veins of the lower extremities, but vascular thrombosis in the upper body is less common. In addition, pathology sometimes develops in superficial veins. In any case, if untreated, the number of clots increases, blood clots spread along new venous routes.
- Arterial thrombosis, according to statistics, is diagnosed less often, but it is much more dangerous. The fact is that the pressure and speed of blood flow in large arteries is much higher, and therefore there is always the possibility of a clot breaking off with further blockage of the lumen of important arteries. Even a temporary cessation of blood flow leads to organ ischemia. For example, separation of a thrombus and blockage of the coronary arteries almost always end in myocardial infarction. If the arteries that carry blood to the brain are blocked as a result of thrombosis, it is almost impossible to avoid a stroke.
Deep vein disease and its features
Most often, patients are diagnosed with "thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities." Symptoms, treatment, causes of pathology are important issues. This type of disease is considered one of the mostcommon. For a long time it can develop without any complications, but its consequences can be extremely dangerous.
In the early stages, the disease is accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the legs, as well as soreness. At first, pain appears during physical exertion, but then it is also present at rest. Other symptoms include pallor of the skin, as well as constant swelling. The patient's quality of life is constantly deteriorating - even a short walk becomes a problem. Often, against the background of thrombosis, phlebitis develops (inflammation of the venous walls), as well as other complications.
Intestinal vascular thrombosis
Of course, all the vessels of the human body are theoretically susceptible to thrombosis. And in medicine, cases of lesions of the superior mesenteric artery are quite often recorded. With such a disease, the small intestine and some parts of the large intestine suffer from circulatory disorders.
Diagnosis of the disease can be difficult, because the clinical picture is rather blurred. At the initial stages, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting appear, which are practically not associated with food intake, diarrhea, as well as a gradual decrease in body weight. Separation of a thrombus and blockage of the vessel cause rapidly progressive ischemia of the intestinal tissues, which is accompanied by severe, sharp pain in the abdomen. This condition often requires urgent surgical intervention.
Acute thrombosis and its symptoms
Pathology can develop for many weeks and even months without causing serious changes inthe patient's condition. Therefore, people tend to see a doctor already when complications appear.
The formation of a large blood clot causes an emergency condition called "acute thrombosis", the symptoms of which are hard to miss. Violation of blood circulation in tissues, pronounced oxygen starvation are accompanied by the following symptoms:
- sharp pain occurring in the affected limb;
- pallor of the skin;
- the skin over the affected area becomes cool to the touch;
- there is a violation of tactile and pain sensitivity;
- development of muscle contracture;
- impaired motor activity.
The presence of such disorders is a good reason to immediately consult a doctor.
Thrombosis and thromboembolism
Don't underestimate the danger of thrombosis. Thromboembolism is an extremely dangerous condition. This is not an independent disease, but rather one of the consequences of thrombosis. For one reason or another, a blood clot enters the open bloodstream, after which it completely clogs the vessel. The result of an embolism is oxygen starvation and rapidly developing tissue ischemia.
The separation of a blood clot and its entry into the heart vessels leads to a heart attack. Blockage of the arteries that carry blood to the brain leads to stroke and other damage to the nervous system. In most cases, the prognosis for patients is unfavorable, since not every patient manages to receive urgent medical care on time.
Diagnosis of disease
Processdiagnostics includes several main stages. Of course, first the doctor conducts an external examination and collects an anamnesis, but other studies are needed to determine the localization of thrombosis. In particular, one of the most informative tests is Doppler ultrasound. For example, such a procedure allows diagnosing venous thrombosis in the veins of the lower extremities. There are other methods of examination, including phlebography, computed angiography, plethysmography, etc.
Coagulological tests are also prescribed, with the help of which it is possible to assess the degree and speed of blood clotting. In the event that there is a suspicion of autoimmune thrombosis, additional enzyme immunoassays are performed.
Modern treatments
Certainly, an important issue for every patient is the methods of treatment that modern medicine can offer. Therapy, of course, depends on the degree of development of thrombosis and the presence of complications.
In the early stages, combination drug therapy is possible. The treatment regimen includes taking anticoagulants, in particular warfarin and heparin. These substances thin the blood, ensure the dissolution of blood clots and prevent the formation of new ones.
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) has been used to prevent thrombosis and coronary disease for decades, but long-term use of it can lead to problems in the gastrointestinal tract, such as heartburn, gastritis, nausea, stomach pain, etc..d.
To reduce the risksuch undesirable consequences, it is necessary to take funds in a special enteric coating. For example, you can use the drug "Trombo ACC®", each tablet of which is covered with an enteric film coating that is resistant to the effects of gastric hydrochloric acid and dissolves only in the intestine. This avoids direct contact with the gastric mucosa and reduces the risk of heartburn, ulcers, gastritis, bleeding, etc.
In addition, complex treatment includes taking anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs that maintain the tone of the walls of venous vessels. Physiotherapy is also helpful. It is important to adjust the diet, as well as maintain physical activity, engage in feasible physical work.
Surgical intervention is indispensable in some cases. The operation is prescribed in case of formation of large blood clots and serious violations of blood flow.
Preventive measures: how to prevent the development of the disease?
Knowing what thrombosis is and under the influence of what factors it develops, there are several preventive measures that can reduce the risk of developing the disease.
With regard to drug treatment, in the postoperative period, patients are prescribed drugs that thin the blood - this prevents the formation of clots. Patients who are forced to stay in bed need regular therapeutic massage, which eliminates blood stasis.
Eating is also important - into avoid the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis, it is necessary to reduce the amount of animal fats in the diet. With stagnation of blood in the veins of the lower extremities, wearing special compression underwear will help. And of course, do not forget about physical activity - this is the only way to maintain muscle tone and normalize blood circulation.
Is it possible to treat folk remedies?
Traditional medicine offers many remedies that can thin the blood and, accordingly, prevent the formation of blood clots and dissolve existing ones. For example, taking a tincture of white cinquefoil or chestnut is considered quite effective. You can prepare them yourself or buy ready-made medicines at the pharmacy.
You can make medicine from citrus fruits and garlic. To do this, grind two lemons (using a meat grinder) along with the peel. Add peeled chopped garlic there (one medium-sized head). Mix the ingredients, pour a small amount of boiled chilled water, then cover and leave in the refrigerator for three days. After that, it is recommended to strain the infusion and take it in a tablespoon three times a day.
It should be understood that home remedies can only be used as an aid and only after prior consultation with a doctor.
There are contraindications, you should consult a specialist before use.
