Pulmonary embolism: diagnosis, risk factors and preventive ...

Understanding Chronic Thrombosis

Chronic thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein that has lasted for at least a month. It can be difficult to treat and can lead to scarring and vein damage. Treatment may involve compression stockings, medication, and surgery.

Thrombosis, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a condition that occurs when a blood clot develops in a deep vein. It most commonly occurs in leg veins.

Thrombosis is called chronic thrombosis when the clot lasts for at least a month. This is different from acute thrombosis, which involves clots that have developed only within the previous few weeks.

Chronic thrombosis clots often harden and become more attached to the walls of veins than acute thrombosis clots. This can make them more difficult to treat and can lead to valve and vein damage. Treatment options for chronic thrombosis include medications, compression stockings, and surgical procedures.

Learn more about thrombosis.

A blood clot that has formed in a deep vein and lasted for at least a month is called chronic thrombosis. Clots of this type harden and can then damage the vein walls and valves and cause scarring.

These clots can also cause the vein to become narrowed and make it more difficult for blood to flow through.

Chronic thrombosis doesn't always cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can be similar to those of many other conditions. If you experience any symptoms that could be related to chronic thrombosis, it's a good idea to make a medical appointment.

Symptoms that could indicate chronic thrombosis include:

Healthcare professionals might order the following tests to help them confirm a diagnosis of chronic thrombosis:

Duplex ultrasound: This type of ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the blood vessels in your legs and determine the speed at which blood is flowing through them. It can help doctors find areas of narrowing and blockages and see how severe the blockages are.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: An MRI can capture detailed images of body tissues and veins. It can help healthcare professionals see any blockages in your veins, including blood clots.

D-dimer blood test: D-dimer is a protein found in clots, and most people who have thrombosis have high levels of it in their blood. Testing for it can help confirm a diagnosis.

Venography: Venography involves injecting a specialized dye into your veins to make them show up clearly on an X-ray. Healthcare professionals can use this method to get an accurate picture of all the veins in your leg.

There are several treatment options for chronic thrombosis. The right treatment option for you will depend on factors such as the location and severity of your clot, your overall health, any medications you're taking, and how long you've had the clot.

Treatment options include:

Compression stockings: Compression stockings are tight-fitting knee-high socks that help blood flow through your lower legs. They reduce swelling and prevent your blood from pooling.

Blood-thinning medications: Blood thinners, sometimes called anticoagulants, are a class of medications that can prevent clot growth and reduce your risk of new clots.

Thrombolytic medications: Thrombolytics are sometimes called clot-busters. They destroy existing blood clots and are normally used for severe chronic thrombosis.

Catheterization surgery: During this procedure, a surgeon will insert a thin, flexible tube into your vein and gently guide it to the blood clot. They will then use small tools to treat the clot. They might insert a stent to open the vein wider or insert a filter that can catch any blood clots that break loose and prevent them from reaching your lungs.

Surgical clot removal: In some cases, healthcare professionals can surgically remove a clot with a procedure called a thrombectomy or embolectomy.

There are a few possible complications of chronic thrombosis. The most serious is a pulmonary embolism, which can occur when a piece of the clot breaks free and gets stuck in a blood vessel in your lungs. A pulmonary embolism can be fatal and is a medical emergency.

Other possible complications of chronic thrombosis include permanent leg damage and medication side effects.

Anyone can develop chronic thrombosis, but you might have a greater chance of developing the condition if you:

have obesity

are older than 60 years

cannot move around for long periods

have any health condition that affects blood clotting

are pregnant

have type A blood

have cancer

recently had surgery

use hormonal birth control

have a family history of any kind of blood clots

Chronic thrombosis is a serious condition but is typically treatable. If you have chronic thrombosis, it's important to follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends and keep all follow-up appointments.

Depending on the severity of your clot and how your body responds to medications, you might need to take certain steps to manage the condition, such as continuing to wear compression stockings and take blood thinners for as long as a year.

Even once you stop or reduce use of blood thinners, your doctor might want you to have regular testing to make sure you have not developed a new clot.

Can you prevent chronic DVT?

Although there's no way to fully guarantee prevention of chronic thrombosis, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, including:

Keep moving: Even if you're managing an illness or injury, the more you can move your legs, the more you can lower your risk.

Take time to stretch: It's a good idea to stretch your legs often, especially during long trips in a plane, car, or train.

Seek support to quit smoking: Smoking is linked to an increased risk of clots.

Try to maintain a moderate weight: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of chronic thrombosis. By reaching or maintaining a healthy weight, you can help lower your risk.

Is thrombosis common?

Thrombosis is common, especially in people over 60 years old and people who are in hospitals or long-term care settings. It's the third most common cause of death from vascular disease in the United States.

Is it safe to exercise if I have chronic thrombosis?

Yes, exercise is safe. But if you're taking blood thinners, it's best to avoid contact sports and other activities that could cause bleeding. Talk with your healthcare professional about the best types of exercise for you.

Chronic thrombosis occurs when a blood clot has been in a deep vein for more than a month. The clot can harden and attach to the vein walls. This makes treatment more difficult and can lead to scarring and vein narrowing.

Chronic thrombosis can have severe complications, including fatal pulmonary embolism, but treatment can reduce the risk of complications.

Treatment options typically include wearing compression stockings and taking blood-thinning medications. When chronic thrombosis is severe, additional treatments such as thrombolytics, catheterization surgery, and surgical clot removal may be necessary.

Medications And Their Potential To Cause Increase In 'Portal Vein Thrombosis'

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Thrombosis: An Overview On Symptoms, Treatments, And More

Thrombosis is the medical term for blood clot formation. Older age, pregnancy, and smoking are among the risk factors. Prompt medical attention is needed to avoid complications.

The formation of a blood clot, called "thrombosis," is a potentially serious condition that develops when a mass of blood cells and other substances in your bloodstream stick together. Blood clot formation is called "arterial thrombosis" when it develops in an artery and "venous thromboembolism" when it develops in a vein.

Blood clots can lead to serious complications, such as:

Many factors may increase your chances of developing a blood clot, such as:

long periods of physical inactivity

injury to a blood vessel

smoking

pregnancy

Read on to learn more about blood clots, including types, symptoms, and treatment options.

The medical name for a blood clot is a "thrombus." Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot. A blood clot can break away from the wall of your blood vessel and block the flow of blood. This blockage can cause serious complications that vary depending on where the blood clot becomes lodged.

A similar term is an "embolism." An embolism is any mass that moves through your blood vessels and becomes lodged in a blood vessel. An embolism is usually caused by a thrombus but can also be caused by other substances such as:

Arterial thrombosis is the leading cause of death worldwide.

The lifetime risk of developing venous thromboembolism is about 8% in the United States, and about 1 in 5 people die within a year of having their condition diagnosed, often from the underlying health condition that led to the blood clot.

"Thrombosis" is the medical term for the formation of a blood clot.

Doctors and healthcare professionals often use the terms "thrombosis" and "thromboembolism" when describing blood clots because these terms describe the condition more precisely.

Blood clots are divided into different types depending on where they form:

Venous thromboembolism: Venous thromboembolisms occur in the blood vessels that carry blood to your heart, called "veins." This kind of thrombosis usually occurs in your legs. Types of venous thromboembolism include:

Deep vein thrombosis: A deep vein thrombosis may occur when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in your legs.

Pulmonary embolism: A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in one of the blood vessels that sends blood to your lungs. These embolisms usually occur when a blood clot from your lower body travels to your lungs.

Arterial thrombosis: An arterial thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery. An artery is a blood vessel that carries blood away from your heart.

The symptoms of a blood clot vary depending on where it's located. Symptoms may include the following:

Heart Brain Arm or leg

redness

warmth

swelling

tenderness

pain that onsets suddenly or slowly

Lung

Blood clots form when your blood cells and other substances in your bloodstream form a semisolid mass. Blood clots become more common with increasing age. The yearly risk of developing a blood clot has been estimated as:

1 in 100,000 for children

1 in 10,000 for young adults

1 in 1,000 for middle age adults

1 in 100 for older adults

Risk factors for blood clots include:

Learn more about risk factors for blood clots.

The best treatment for a blood clot depends on the type of blood clot you have and its severity.

Venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism doesn't always require treatment, but up to 100,000 people die of deep vein thromboses each year in the United States. It's important to call 911 or your local emergency services for emergency medical attention to avoid potentially serious complications.

If a doctor decides that treatment is necessary, the first-line option is usually anticoagulants. These medications are also called "blood thinners." Common blood thinners include warfarin or heparin.

These medications stop new blood clots from forming. You may have to take blood thinners for a range of several months to your remaining lifetime.

Severe blood clots may be treated with medications called "thrombolytics" to dissolve the blood clot.

If medications alone aren't effective, you may need catheter-assisted blood clot removal. This type of surgery involves removing the blood clot with a long tube inserted into one of your blood vessels.

Some people receive a vena cava filter to catch new blood clots before they reach their lungs.

Arterial thrombosis

Arterial thromboses are primarily treated with:

thrombolytics to dissolve blood clots

embolectomy surgery to remove the blood clot

a type of surgery, called an "angioplasty," to widen the affected artery

surgery, such as a coronary artery bypass graft, to divert blood around the blocked artery

A thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in your blood vessels. A blood clot is medically known as a "thrombus." Blood clots can cause serious complications, depending on the blood vessel in which they become lodged.

It's crucial to get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a blood clot, such as a red, swollen, or warm limb. Medical attention is especially important if you have recently had vascular surgery or have other risk factors for blood clots.

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