Thrombosis (T)
Thrombosis (T): Overview, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
What is Thrombosis (T)?
Thrombosis (T) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a blood vessel or the heart, which can obstruct normal blood flow through the circulatory system. Thrombosis can occur in any blood vessel, including veins and arteries. This interruption in blood flow may lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs.
Causes and Risk Factors
Thrombosis most commonly results from:
- Injury to the blood vessel’s inner lining, such as trauma, surgery, or catheter placement.
- Hypercoagulable states (conditions that increase the tendency of blood to clot), including inherited conditions like factor V Leiden mutation, antithrombin III deficiency, and acquired conditions such as cancer, pregnancy, infection, oral contraceptives, or obesity.
- Blood stasis due to immobility (long flights, bed rest), heart failure, or atrial fibrillation.
- Atherosclerosis (fatty plaque buildup in arteries) leading to arterial thrombosis.
- Family history of blood clots or previous episodes of thrombosis.
Symptoms
Thrombosis often presents with symptoms related to the location and size of the clot:
- Swelling, pain, and redness in the involved area (commonly the calf or thigh for deep vein thrombosis).
- Feeling of warmth or discoloration in the affected limb.
- Chest pain and sudden shortness of breath (if the clot reaches the lungs—pulmonary embolism).
- Rarely, superficial thrombosis can cause pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the clot.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves:
- Clinical examination to detect swelling, tenderness, or changes in skin color.
- Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to identify the location and size of the clot.
- Blood tests for clotting disorders or markers of hypercoagulability.
Diagnosis is confirmed by imaging and may require repeated or different modalities depending on the location and underlying risk factors.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on removing or dissolving the clot, preventing further clots, and managing risk factors:
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent further clotting.
- Thrombolytic medications to dissolve the clot in cases of severe obstruction.
- Compression stockings for deep vein thrombosis to prevent swelling and further complications.
- Addressing underlying causes or risk factors such as immobilization, obesity, or hormonal medications.
- Rarely, surgical interventions to remove the clot or place a vein filter may be required in high-risk cases.
Prevention
Prevention includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, managing underlying medical conditions, and timely intervention for any symptoms or risk factors associated with clot formation.
Key Points
- Thrombosis is a blood clot that can form in any vessel, potentially blocking blood flow and causing serious complications.
- Common causes include vessel injury, hypercoagulable states, immobility, and atherosclerosis.
- Symptoms vary by location but often include swelling, pain, redness, and, in severe cases, respiratory or neurological symptoms.
- Diagnosis relies on physical exam, imaging tests, and blood work.
- Treatment involves anticoagulants, thrombolytics, and addressing root causes.
- Early detection and management are vital to improve outcomes and prevent complications.
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
If at risk for thrombosis or experiencing symptoms suggestive of blood clots, contact healthcare professionals for evaluation and personalized management options.
References:
1. Cleveland Clinic. Thrombosis: Symptoms & Treatment. 2025. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22242-thrombosis
2. Mayo Clinic. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Symptoms & causes. 2022. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557
3. MedPark Hospital. Thrombosis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnose, Treatment. (No official DOI or English publication link found.)
4. Wikipedia. Thrombosis. 2003. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrombosis
5. University of Utah Health. Thrombosis Symptoms & Treatment. 2024. Available at: https://healthcare.utah.edu/thrombosis/symptoms-treatment
