tromboses

A thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot, known as a thrombus, within a blood vessel. This clot can partially or completely block the flow of blood through the vessel. Thromboses can occur in arteries or veins. Arterial thromboses often lead to conditions like heart attack or stroke, as they can restrict blood flow to vital organs. Venous thromboses, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can occur in the legs and can be serious if the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

Several factors can contribute to the development of thrombosis. These include damage to the inner lining of blood vessels, conditions that cause blood to clot more easily (hypercoagulability), and slowed or turbulent blood flow. Risk factors can include prolonged immobility, surgery, certain medical conditions like cancer, pregnancy, and genetic predispositions. Smoking and obesity also increase the risk.

The symptoms of thrombosis depend on the location and size of the clot. For DVT, symptoms may include swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in the affected limb. Arterial thrombosis symptoms can be more sudden and severe, potentially causing chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or difficulty speaking. Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or venography. Treatment aims to prevent further clot formation, dissolve existing clots, and manage underlying risk factors. This may involve anticoagulant medications, thrombolytics, or procedures to remove the clot.