Spondyloarthrosis 

The appearance of blood clots. Symptoms and signs of thrombosis

Death from a blood clot can occur instantly if you do not provide first aid to the victim. Just a few minutes are given to avoid this dangerous incident. If a blood clot comes off, a lethal outcome is inevitable.

What is a blood clot in humans and how is it formed

Due to increased blood clotting in any part of the human body, there is a high probability of a thrombus - a blood clot. Scientifically in medicine, the appearance of clots is called hypercoagulation. As a result, thrombophlebitis and thrombosis develop. These diseases are closely related. First, thrombosis appears due to the regular formation of a blood clot in the vessel, since the anticoagulant system (keeps the blood in a liquid state) cannot cope with the regular appearance of blood clots. Thrombophlebitis is a consequence of thrombosis - inflammation of the vessel walls at the site of the blockage.

The early stages of these diseases are not dangerous with a timely visit to a doctor, but if you start the disease every day, new blood elements will be added to the resulting plug, increasing it. Detachment of a blood clot occurs when a critical mass is reached; a torn off clot will lead to instant death in 80% of cases.

Types of blood clots in relation to the lumen of blood vessels:

  • White - consists of leukocytes, platelets, fibrin - are in the arteries
  • Red - consists of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets and fibrins - located in the veins.
  • Hyaline - composed of plasma proteins, fibrin, platelets - appear in small vessels
  • Layered - contain fibrin, erythrocytes, leukocytes - localized in the aorta, heart, arteries

Causes of occurrence

We have already examined how it is formed. Now let's find out the reasons why there is a blockage of blood vessels.

Prolonged stay in a stationary position provokes blood thickening as a result of its blockage. Mechanical damage to blood vessels most often occurs in inflammatory processes caused by viruses and toxins. A variant of the congenital nature of poor blood clotting is not excluded - it is inherited. When taking estrogen-containing drugs, prolonged exposure to a viral infection.

Important! The most important reason is low mobility, because of this, varicose veins occur and subsequently flow into thrombosis. Why do they affect blood clotting in tumor diseases, diabetes mellitus and heart disease? Because they are directly related to the blood clotting in the body.

The risk groups for blood clots are headed by men over 40. Why are there no women here, but because they have monthly blood renewal up to menopause. The second group is most susceptible to vascular blockage are obese. As you know, cholesterol remains on the walls of blood vessels, thereby narrowing them. As for alcohol, the following can be noted: with regular excessive use, it leads to clumping of the masses, but with small amounts, alcohol-containing drinks, on the contrary, slightly thin the blood.

Smokers, people with low mobility and pregnant women are also prone to the appearance of a blood clot. The provoking diseases also include atrial fibrillation, acute rheumatic fever and obliterating endarteritis.

Why did the blood clot come off what is it and what will happen

There are two main reasons for the detachment of a blood clot:

  1. Rapid blood flow
  2. There is a lumen in the vessel and the blood clot does not completely block it


All thrombosis is subject to conservative therapy only for the first 3 days. Because only at this time the thrombus is fixed to the vein wall while it is loose. Starting from 4-5 days, it becomes denser, and when it is compressed, the liquid that was contained in it begins to stand out and, like a lubricant, can tear it off from the vein. Then the clot can float freely. It can be carried by the bloodstream into any area of \u200b\u200bthe human body. If it gets into the brain - there will be an ischemic stroke, if it gets into the heart - there will be a myocardial infarction. And as you know, these consequences will be fatal. Death from a blood clot is instant!

How to understand that a blood clot has come off

Depending on the location, the symptoms of a torn off blood clot will be different; let's briefly consider them:

  • In the head - impaired speech, swallowing, facial asymmetry;
  • Heart (in the coronary artery) - pressing and sharp painful sensations in the chest. Sometimes pain can be felt in the lower jaw, abdomen, neck, arms and interscapular region.
  • Intestines - causes peritonitis with severe abdominal pain
  • Legs - blue limbs, decreased temperature in the injured leg, redness, swelling and severe pain.
  • Lungs - oxygen starvation, blue skin, prolonged shortness of breath, cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest

Diagnostics

Timely detection of a blood clot is an opportunity to avoid surgery and even save your life. If you belong to the risk group for thrombosis, it is better to periodically diagnose the condition of the blood coagulation function:

  • thromboelastography;
  • thrombin generation test;
  • active partial thromboplastin time;
  • thrombodynamics;
  • prothrombin time test.

Prevention

In order to avoid the formation of blood clots and their separation, preventive measures must be observed. This is especially necessary if a person is at risk. Preventive measures include:

To prevent a blood clot from appearing, just follow these simple rules:

  1. Follow your diet and diet. Limit your cholesterol intake. Reduce all fatty foods in your diet. Eat - citrus fruits, broccoli, cherries, drink green tea.
  2. Take anticoagulants, such as Aspirin. It lowers blood clotting. However, it can only be taken as directed by a doctor.
  3. Increase your physical activity - running is the best solution. It is this sport that strengthens the heart and blood circulation.
  4. Use compression garments on long trips.

First aid

Identifying suspected symptoms immediately:

  • Get the sick person to bed.
  • Call an ambulance (cardiology team).
  • Apply a cold bandage or compress to the affected area.

Do not heat the sore spot under any circumstances. Give the patient analgesics and antispasmodics to relieve pain.

Vein thrombosis - This is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in the lumen of the vessel, which leads to impaired blood circulation in this area. The disease is manifested by bursting pain, redness and swelling. The general condition of a person does not deteriorate much. In 80% of cases, the disease is asymptomatic, but a blood clot can cause a fatal complication - pulmonary embolism.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, one in four people on the planet is at risk of developing a blood clot. Thrombosis is diagnosed annually to 160 people for every 100 thousand of the population. In Russia alone, 240,000 people fall ill a year.

Vein thrombosis is considered more of a "female" disease. The beautiful half of humanity suffers from this pathology 5-6 times more often than men. This is due to the high levels of female hormones, the use of hormonal contraceptives and pregnancy.

Overweight people are also very at risk. Doctors say that after 40 years, with obesity of 3-4 degrees, the likelihood of a blood clot increases 5 times.

Blood clots can appear in arteries, veins, and capillaries of any organ. But most often the veins of the lower extremities are affected, especially the lower legs. In most cases, blood clots are located near the wall (parietal), but they can completely block the lumen (obstructing blood clots).

It must be remembered that the process of blood clot formation is a defense mechanism. Without it, we would have died from blood loss even after a minor injury. The blood coagulates, forming clots of platelets and collagen. They clog damaged blood vessels, stopping bleeding. When the wound heals, such blood clots dissolve on their own. Problems arise when the balance of the blood coagulation and anticoagulation systems is disturbed.

Anatomy of the veins

Vein - This is the vessel through which blood flows from the organs to the heart. Blood enters the vein from the capillaries, which collect blood from organs and tissues. The veins form a branched venous network. The vessels are often interconnected (anastomized). This allows blood to flow around the area clogged with a thrombus. But through such anastomoses, a blood clot can penetrate from superficial veins into deep ones, and from there into the heart and into the brain.

The vein wall has several layers:

  1. Inner sheath of veins (intimacy):
    • endothelial cell layer that come into contact with blood. Their function is to prevent the appearance of blood clots and to prevent blood clots from attaching to the vein wall. For this, cells produce a special substance - prostacyclin.
    • a layer of thin elastic membrane of connective tissue fibers.
  2. Middle vein sheath consists of smooth muscles. There are few muscle fibers in the vein and they are arranged in bundles, and not in a continuous layer. Because of this, the veins collapse if there is little blood in them and easily stretch and dilate when overflowing with blood. In the veins of the bones, liver, spleen, brain and retina, the muscle layer is absent.
  3. Outer sheath (adventitious) the thickest. Its function is to protect the vein from damage. It consists of a dense layer of elastic and collagen fibers of connective tissue, in which nerves and blood vessels pass. Outside, the vein is covered with a layer of loose connective tissue, with which it is fixed to the muscles and organs.
Valves - these are outgrowths of the inner lining of the vein. They play an important role in the movement of blood towards the heart, but often it is near them that blood clots appear. The structure of the valves resembles paired flaps or pockets.

Factors that prevent blood clots from forming

13 factors (substances or enzymes) are responsible for blood clotting. Each of them has a counterweight (inhibitor), a substance that stops the action of the clotting factor. It is these inhibitors that make up the blood anticoagulant system. Its function is to keep the blood liquid and protect the blood vessels from the formation of blood clots.

Components of the anticoagulant system:

  1. Anticoagulants -substances inhibiting the production of fibrin in the body
    • Primary anticoagulants, which are constantly contained in the blood, preventing platelets from sticking together. These are antithrombin III, heparin, a 1 -antitrypsin, a 2 -macroglobulin, protein C, protein S, thrombomodulin, etc.
    • Secondary anticoagulants... These substances are formed when the blood has already begun to clot. They stop this process. These include: antithrombin I (fibrin), antithrombin IX, auto-II anticoagulant, etc.
  2. Fibrinolysis system... Its main component is plasmin. It is responsible for the breakdown of fibrin fibers, which make up the base of the thrombus.
The main fighter of the anti-coagulation system - antithrombin III... This substance is constantly circulating in the blood. It finds thrombin (the main enzyme that triggers the process of blood clot formation) and renders it harmless. Also plays an important role heparinproduced by the liver. It also lowers thrombin activity.

Fibrin S lines the veins from the inside. Its task is to prevent adhesion of blood cells to the venous wall, prevent damage to it and improve blood flow.

Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities

Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities - a disease in which blood clots form in the deep veins located under the muscles. Deep vessel blockage occurs in 10-15% of thrombosis cases.

A thrombus most often forms in the deep veins of the lower leg. In the first 3-4 days, the clot is weakly attached to the vessel wall. During this period, it can easily come off.

About a week later, inflammation of the vein wall begins around the thrombus - thrombophlebitis. During this period, the blood clot hardens and attaches to the vessel wall. The inflammation causes new blood clots to appear upstream of the vein. Despite the defeat of large areas of the vein, the disease is often asymptomatic.

Causes of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities

  1. Congenital vascular anomalies:
    • congenital or acquired insufficiency of the venous valves,
    • underdevelopment of the muscular or elastic membrane of the vein wall;
    • congenital varicose veins;
    • congenital fistulas between deep veins and arteries.
    These features of the development of veins lead to a slowdown in blood flow and stagnation in the veins. In this case, the platelets easily stick together, forming a blood clot.
  2. Oncological diseases
    • stomach cancer;
    • pancreas cancer;
    • lungs' cancer;
    • malignant tumors of the small pelvis.
    In people with cancerous tumors, metabolism is impaired and blood clotting increases. Chemotherapy damages the inner lining of blood vessels and activates substances that thicken the blood. And worsening the situation, the fact that cancer patients move little, and often completely bedridden.
  3. Hormonal disorders
    • violations of the sex glands;
    • the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs);
    • hormonal disruption during pregnancy.
    The increased level of female sex hormones causes the blood to thicken. Progesterone, which stops bleeding during menstruation, can cause blood clots to form. And estrogen is able to activate fibrinogen and prothrombin, whose role in the formation of blood clots is very large.
  4. Obesity ... Fat cells produce the hormone leptin, which is similar to female sex hormones. Leptin acts on sensitive receptors on the surface of platelets, causing them to stick together.
  5. Consequences of surgical operations ... After operations, 30% of people over 40 years old have deep vein thrombosis. A lot of tissue thromboplastin enters the bloodstream. This substance causes blood to clot.
  6. Fractures ... Tissue thromboplastin (one of the blood clotting factors) enters the bloodstream and triggers a cascade of reactions that lead to blood clots.
  7. Lower limb paralysis ... Loss of movement of the lower extremities can be a consequence of trauma or stroke. As a result, the innervation and nutrition of the vein walls deteriorate, which disrupts its work. In addition, the movement of blood through the veins is largely dependent on the work of the muscles. Therefore, if the muscles do not push the blood and it stagnates, stretching the veins.
  8. Infections
    • sepsis;
    • pneumonia;
    • purulent wounds, abscesses.
    The bacteria make the blood more viscous and damage the inner lining of the veins. They cause the release of substances that lead to the formation of a blood clot.
To risk factorsdeep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities include:
  • age over 40;
  • frequent flights or trips that last more than 4 hours;
  • "Standing" or "sedentary" work;
  • heavy physical activity, sports;
  • smoking.

The mechanism of blood clot formation

The mechanism of thrombus formation is described by Virchow's triad.
  1. Damage to the blood vessel wall. The inner lining of a vein can be torn as a result of injury, allergens, or microorganisms. Squeezing or stretching the vein also disrupts the vascular endothelial cells.
  2. Increased blood clotting. Damage to the vessel causes tissue thromboplastin and thrombin to enter the bloodstream. These protein elastic fibers hold blood cells together in a clot and activate the formation of other substances that increase blood viscosity. An increased concentration of platelets and erythrocytes is also dangerous.
  3. Slow blood flow ... Decreased blood velocity in people who are forced to stay in bed, sit or stand for a long time at work, and wear a plaster cast. Atherosclerotic plaques and malfunctioning of the venous valves create vortex currents that form clumps of blood cells.

Deep vein thrombosis symptoms

Subjective symptoms or how you feel about thrombosis
Objective symptoms or what the doctor sees
  • swelling of the lower leg or the entire limb;
  • the skin of the affected leg becomes shiny, glossy;
  • bluish skin tone;
  • saphenous veins overflow with blood from deep veins and are clearly visible;
  • to the touch, the diseased limb seems colder than the healthy one.

Diagnostics

Functional tests

Samples - these studies help the doctor determine the presence of a blood clot during an objective examination, even without equipment.

Lowenberg's symptom

The doctor makes a sample with a cuff from a blood pressure monitor. The cuff is applied above the knee. Signs of blockage of veins: at a value of 80-100 mm Hg. painful sensations appear below the knee. On a healthy lower leg, even compression up to 150-180 mm Hg. does not cause pain.

March test

An elastic bandage is applied to the leg from toes to groin. You will be asked to walk for a few minutes, then the bandage is removed.

Signs of thrombosis:

  • bursting pain in the legs;
  • not collapsed dilated saphenous veins.

Pratt-1 test

You will be asked to lie down, the circumference of your shin is measured and, with the help of massage, superficial veins are emptied. The doctor then applies an elastic bandage starting from the fingers. Thus, it compresses the subcutaneous vessels and directs blood to deep veins. You will be asked to walk for 10 minutes, then the bandage is removed.

Signs of deep vein thrombosis

  • unpleasant sensations appear, pain in the lower leg - signs of impaired outflow through the deep veins;
  • the volume of the lower leg increases due to stagnation of blood.
Homans test.

You lie on your back with your knees bent. The doctor will ask you to flex your foot. Signs of deep vein thrombosis:

  • the appearance of a sharp pallor on the caviar;
  • severe pain in the calf muscle.
Mayo-Pratt test.

You are lying on a couch with a roller under your sore leg. Using massage movements, the doctor empties the superficial veins and applies a tourniquet to the upper third of the thigh. You will be asked to walk with the tourniquet for 30-40 minutes.

Signs of deep vein thrombosis:

  • the feeling of fullness in the leg increases;
  • there is pain in the lower leg.

Doppler

A research method based on the property of ultrasound to reflect from moving blood cells with a changed frequency. As a result, the doctor receives a picture that describes the features of the movement of blood through the vessels.

Doppler ultrasonography is 90% reliable when examining the femoral vein, but examining the deep veins of the lower leg is less informative.

Doppler ultrasonography reveals the following signs of deep vein thrombosis:

  • there are no changes in the movement of blood in the femoral artery during inhalation. This says that the thrombus is between the femoral vein and the heart;
  • blood flow in the femoral vein does not increase after the doctor has expelled the blood from the veins in the lower leg. This is evidence that there is a blood clot in the area between the leg and thigh;
  • the speed of blood movement is slowed down in the popliteal, femoral and anterior tibial veins. This means that on its way, the blood meets an obstacle in the form of a blood clot;
  • there are differences in the movement of blood through the veins of the right and left legs.
Angiography

The study of veins is called phlebography... This method is based on the introduction of an iodine-based contrast agent into the vein. This compound is absolutely harmless to health. It makes the vein clearly visible on x-rays or computed tomography. For research, a special apparatus is used - an angiograph.

Signs of thrombosis:

  • the contrast agent does not penetrate into a vein blocked by a thrombus - the effect of a "chopped off vein";
  • a sharp narrowing of the lumen of the vessel;
  • uneven contours of the vessels indicate varicose veins and the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques on the inner wall of the vessels;
  • parietal blood clots look like round formations attached to the vein wall, not stained with a contrast agent.

Thrombosis of superficial veins of the lower extremities

Superficial vein thrombosis of the lower extremities is the most common form of thrombosis, accounting for 80%. Most often, the large and small saphenous veins are affected.

Causes of superficial vein thrombosis

  1. Varicose veins.

    A large amount of blood stagnates in the veins, while the vessels stretch and turn into reservoirs filled with blood. Without movement, blood cells stick together and grow in fibers fibrin.

  2. Blood diseases
    • erythremia is a disease in which the number of blood cells increases and it becomes thicker.
    • thrombophilia is a disease in which the number of platelets increases and the tendency to form blood clots increases.
      These pathologies can be congenital or develop as a result of hypertension and autoimmune diseases.
  3. Infectious diseases.
    • scarlet fever;
    • angina;
    • pneumonia;
    • sepsis;
    • mumps.
    Bacteria and viruses can damage the inner lining of veins, thereby activating substances that cause blood clots.
  4. Trauma
    • bruises;
    • fractures;
    • burns;
    • frostbite;
    • surgical operations.
    In this case, three factors act at once: during an injury, the vessel wall may suffer, blood coagulability increases, and a plaster cast or adherence to bed rest leads to a slowdown in blood flow.
  5. Systemic autoimmune diseases
    • antiphospholipid syndrome (APS);
    • rheumatoid arthritis;
    • systemic vasculitis;
    • systemic lupus erythematosus.
    In systemic diseases, antibodies are released in the body that attack platelets and the cell membranes of the endothelium lining the veins, causing blood clots.
  6. Allergic reactions ... During allergies, complex processes occur in the body, as a result of which substances that activate platelets are released. And when the inner lining of the vessels is damaged, other components are released that accelerate the production of fibrin.
  7. Metabolic diseases
    • obesity;
    • diabetes.
    Fibrin and fibrinogen are proteins that bind blood cells to form a blood clot. And metabolic disorders lead to an increase in their level. In addition, the cells of adipose tissue produce the hormone leptin, which causes platelets to stick together.
  8. Cardiovascular diseases
    • coronary heart disease;
    • phlebeurysm;
    • hypertonic disease;
    • atherosclerosis;
    • heart rhythm disorder.
    These diseases lead to a slowdown in blood flow in the veins and venous stasis. This creates conditions for the appearance of blood clots. Atherosclerotic plaques adhere to the walls of the vessel and narrow its lumen. As a result, vortices arise in the blood stream, which trap blood cells and they settle on top of the plaques.
  9. Lung disease
    • bronchial asthma;
    • chronic obstructivebronchitis.
    An insufficient amount of oxygen causes disturbances in the functioning of the heart, impairs blood circulation. This leads to stagnation of blood in the veins and an increase in the number of blood cells.
  10. Oncological diseases ... Cancer tumors cause increased production of cells that are responsible for blood clotting. And chemotherapy activates the work of the blood coagulation system.

Factors accelerating the development of superficial vein thrombosis

  • compression of veins;
  • dehydration of the body if you drink less than 1.5-2 liters of fluid per day;
  • uncontrolled intake of diuretics;
  • long bed rest;
  • age over 50;
  • lack of physical activity;
  • taking contraceptive pills: Diane-35, Jess, Yarina, Janine, Novinet.
  • smoking.

The mechanism of blood clot formation

  1. Damage to the vessel wall. In this place, turbulence is formed, which causes a retention of blood cells near the venous wall.
  2. Drops of liquid begin to appear on the damaged area of \u200b\u200bthe vein. Platelets and other blood elements adhere to them.
  3. The intact vein wall and blood cells have the same charge and are therefore repelled. But if the vein is damaged, then it loses its charge and platelets can gain a foothold in this area.
  4. Tissue thromboplastin is released from the damaged vein. It triggers the formation of other blood clotting factors. Thromboplastin causes a blood clot to form.
  5. The blood flows around the thrombus, and its surface is gradually overgrown with layers of new platelets.

Symptoms

Superficial veins lie in the subcutaneous fatty tissue at a depth of 0.5-2 cm under the skin surface. Due to this arrangement of the vessels, the symptoms of superficial vein thrombosis are immediately noticeable. The disease usually begins acutely. This means that everything was fine in the morning, and by the evening he showed signs of thrombosis.

Subjective symptoms that the patient feels

  1. Pain along the vein, which increases with physical exertion.
  2. Feeling of heaviness in the leg.
  3. Swelling of the lower leg and foot.
  4. Redness of the skin over the blood clot.
  5. Hypersensitivity of the skin, feeling of "running goose bumps".
  6. Calf muscle cramps.
Objective symptoms that the doctor sees during the examination
  1. Varicose veins (but sometimes a blood clot can appear in an unexpanded vein).
  2. The venous network is clearly visible due to its overflow with blood.
  3. When pressed, the vein does not collapse, does not turn pale, but remains filled with blood.
  4. Consolidation along the vein. It can be in the shape of a ball or stretch along a vein.

Diagnosis of saphenous vein thrombosis

To determine the condition of the saphenous veins, use functional tests... They allow you to assess the operation of the valves, but do not indicate the location of the blood clot.

Brody-Troyanov-Trendelenburg test.

You are lying on your back with your sore leg raised. From her veins, the blood is expelled from the fingers to the groin with massage movements. A rubber tourniquet is applied to the middle of the thigh. After that, you will be asked to stand up.

Rapid filling of the veins below the tourniquet indicates a malfunction of the veins.

Hackenbruch test

The doctor pinches the place where the large saphenous vein flows into the femoral vein with his fingers and asks you to cough. The impulse, which creates a back wave of blood, reflected from the thrombus, speaks of a malfunction. The doctor feels this push under the fingers.

Doppler ultrasound or Doppler ultrasound

A painless test that can be done many times. To judge the effectiveness of the treatment, it is done once a week. An experienced doctor can determine the peculiarities of blood flow, the condition of the walls of veins and their valves, as well as the presence of a blood clot with an accuracy of 90%.

The study reveals the following signs of saphenous vein thrombosis:

  • a vein with a blood clot does not collapse under the pressure of an ultrasound transducer;
  • a dense formed thrombus can be seen on the monitor in the form of a rounded formation or strand;
  • in a thrombosed vein, blood flow is disturbed, narrowing of the vessel walls is noticeable;
  • the venous valves in the affected area do not move;
  • the area in front of the thrombus is enlarged and full of blood;
  • the blood flow is slowed down in comparison with the healthy leg.
Angiography or phlebography

A small puncture is made in the vein and a contrast agent is injected through the catheter, which well retains X-rays. Then an X-ray or computed tomography is done. The result is a very clear image. thrombosed veins and reveal signs of the presence of a blood clot. The main advantage of the procedure is that it allows you to identify even fresh blood clots that are not visible during an ultrasound examination.

With thrombosis, angiography reveals the following changes:

  • the walls of the vein are uneven, rough;
  • the lumen of the vein narrows sharply. It can be seen how the contrast agent flows through the narrow opening and flows around the thrombus;
  • near the vein wall there is a "not stained" rounded formation - a parietal thrombus;
  • A “chopped off” vein when contrast medium does not pass through the affected area. This indicates that the blood clot has completely blocked the vein.

Treatment of venous thrombosis

When treating deep vein thrombosis, bed rest is required. If a blood clot has formed in the lower leg, then it is necessary to stay in bed for 3-4 days, and if in the femoral vein, then 10-12 days.

At the first visit, the doctor determines the tactics of treatment and decides whether you need to be treated in a hospital or you can do it at home. If there is a danger that the blood clot may come off and block the pulmonary artery, then surgery will be required.

Drug treatment

Direct anticoagulants: Heparin

The drug is designed to reduce the activity of thrombin in the blood and accelerate the production of antithrombin III, which helps keep the blood fluid.

At the beginning of treatment, heparin is administered intravenously, 5000 units. After 3 days, the dose is reduced to 30,000-40,000 U / day. This amount of the drug is divided 3-6 times and injected subcutaneously.

Every 4 hours, the level of blood clotting is monitored so that there is no bleeding or hemorrhage into the internal organs.

Modern low molecular weight heparins more convenient to use, injected subcutaneously into the abdomen. They are well absorbed and less likely to cause bleeding. For acute thrombosis, use Clexane, Fragmin, Fraxiparine.Enough 1 injection 1 time per day.

Indirect anticoagulants: Warfarin, Coumadin

These drugs inhibit the formation of prothrombin, from which thrombin is subsequently formed. They also reduce the effects of other blood clotting factors that depend on vitamin K. Only a doctor can prescribe these drugs and set the dosage. To avoid complications, it will be necessary to periodically monitor the blood coagulation parameters.

It is taken, depending on the level of blood clotting, 2-10 mg per day (1-3 tablets). The drug is taken once a day at the same time. Remember that if you are taking heparin, aspirin, or other blood thinners at the same time, the risk of bleeding increases significantly.

Thrombolytics or enzyme preparations related to anticoagulants: Streptokinase, Urokinase

These medicines are designed to dissolve blood clots. Enzymes dissolve fibrin fibers in blood clots and help reduce clots. They also inhibit the action of substances that cause blood clotting.
The dosage of the drug is determined by the doctor depending on the situation. Thrombolytics are mixed with saline or glucose solution and injected intravenously. The initial dose is 500,000 KIU, then - 50,000-100,000 KIU / hour.

Hemorheologically active drugs: Refortan, Reosorbilact, Reopolyglucin

They improve blood circulation through the capillaries, reduce blood viscosity and prevent platelets from collecting in clots. These drugs make the blood thinner, "dilute" it.

Reopolyglucin is injected intravenously at a rate of 400-1000 ml / day. Duration of treatment is 5-10 days.

Non-specific anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Diclofenac and Ketoprofen

Means relieve inflammation in the venous wall and help get rid of pain in the affected limb. In addition, they slightly reduce the risk of platelet clumping.

The drug is taken 1 capsule (tablet) 2-3 times a day, preferably after meals, so as not to irritate the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. The course of treatment should not exceed 10-14 days.

Non-drug treatment

To get rid of swelling, pain and improve the functioning of the veins, an elastic bandage is bandaged on the affected leg. This should be done in the morning before getting out of bed. Use a bandage 3 m long and up to 10 cm wide.

Begin bandaging with your fingers, pulling the bandage moderately. Each next round should go a few centimeters into the previous one. The bandage can be removed at night.

Instead of a bandage, it is convenient to use special compression socks or stockings. They must be selected strictly in size and put on before you get out of bed.

Surgery

Indications for surgery
  1. In the area where the blood clot formed, there was inflammation, thrombophlebitis developed.
  2. There is a high risk of detachment of a blood clot and the development of pulmonary embolism.
  3. The thrombus spreads up the deep veins.
  4. The thrombus is not attached to the vein wall (floating thrombus).
Contraindications to surgery
  1. Acute stage of thrombosis, when there is a risk of new postoperative blood clots.
  2. Severe diseases of the cardiovascular system.
  3. Acute period of infectious diseases.

Types of operations

Troyanov-Trendellenburg operation

The surgeon stitches the trunk of the great saphenous vein with metal clips or installs a special clip on it so that blood can pass through the remaining holes. This is to prevent the clot from spreading further into the femoral vein.

Installing a cava filter

A trap filter is installed in the inferior vena cava, resembling an umbrella frame. It leaks blood, but traps blood clots, preventing them from entering the heart, brain and lungs. Disadvantage of the method: if a large thrombus gets into the filter, then the blood flow through the vein will be cut off, and the filter will have to be urgently removed.

Thrombectomy - surgery to remove a blood clot from a vein

It is carried out in the first 7 days after the formation of a blood clot, until it has grown to the walls of the vessel. A small hole is made in the groin through which the surgeon inserts a catheter (a thin, hollow tube). With its help it is possible to extract a blood clot. Disadvantage of the operation: a blood clot can re-form in the same place due to damage to the inner lining of the vein.

Diet for venous thrombosis

Diet for thrombosis is aimed at achieving 3 goals:
  • weight loss;
  • strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
  • decrease in blood viscosity.
Nutritionists have developed row rerecommendations for people with thrombosis.
  1. Drink at least 2 liters of fluid a day.
  2. Eat vegetable fiber: vegetables, fruits, bran.
  3. Include in your food foods rich in antioxidants to protect the lining of the blood vessels:
    • vitamin C: rose hips, black currants, sweet peppers, white cabbage, sea buckthorn, spinach, garlic, citrus fruits, dill, parsley.
    • vitamin E: Sprouted wheat grains, sunflower seeds, avocados, nuts, liver, mint leaves, asparagus, bran, broccoli, peas, beans, corn and olive oil, fish oil, and fatty fish.
    • beta-carotene: pine nuts, pineapples, carrots, sorrel, herbs, beef liver, watermelons.
  4. Flavonoids strengthen the heart and vascular walls, increase their tone and eliminate blood stasis. These include:
    • rutin or vitamin P: spinach, strawberries, blackberries, apricots, raspberries, buckwheat, walnuts, cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, grapes, green tea leaves, rue.
    • hesperidin: tangerines, rose hips, blackberries.
  5. Copper is essential for the synthesis of elastin, which strengthens the walls of blood vessels. There is a lot of it in beef liver and seafood: squid, shrimp, crabs, mussels.
  6. Onions, garlic, ginger, cherries, cranberries and blueberries are especially useful for blood thinning.
A number of products will have to be limited:
  1. Animal fats. There are many of them in sausage, sausages, butter, scrambled eggs, poultry skin, duck and lard.
  2. Cream, concentrated milk, fatty cheeses, sour cream.
  3. Confectionery: buttercream cakes, pastries, biscuits, chocolates and toffee, ice cream.
  4. Deep-fried dishes: chips, French fries.
  5. Coffee, chocolate.
  6. Mayonnaise, cream sauces.
  7. Alcohol.

Traditional methods of treating venous thrombosis

Verbena officinalis contains glycosides verbenalin and verbenin, as well as essential oil and silicic acid salts. These substances prevent the appearance of blood clots and contribute to the resorption of blood clots.

Infusion of verbena flowers. 1 tablespoon of dried flowers is poured with 2 cups of boiling water and brought to a boil. After that, remove from heat and let it brew for an hour. Take 2 tablespoons of the infusion 3 times a day before meals. It is necessary to drink the infusion for 2-3 months.

White acacia contains many esters of salicylic acid, which reduces blood clotting. Essential oils and tannins help tone the veins.

To prepare the tincture, take fresh or dry acacia flowers and chop them. Fill the jar 1/5 full and fill with vodka or 60% alcohol. Leave to infuse in a dark place for 7 days. The tincture is used to rub the skin along the vein 2 times a day. Inside take 5 drops 3-4 times a day. Duration of treatment is 2-4 weeks.

Hop cones contain phytoncides, polyphenols, organic acids, gums and essential oils. This herb is excellent for soothing and improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

To prepare the broth, take 2 tablespoons. hop inflorescences, pour 0.5 liters of water, bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Leave in a warm place for 2 hours. Take 1/2 cup 4 times daily on an empty stomach. The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks.

Onion juice and honey... Onions contain natural anticoagulants that prevent blood clots. Scientists have proven that they are more effective than aspirin.

Chop the onions and squeeze out a glass of juice. Mix with a glass of honey and leave to infuse for 3 days at room temperature, and then 10 days in the refrigerator. Take 1 tbsp. 3 times a day. After the medicine runs out, take a break for 5 days and repeat the course.

What is Acute Vein Thrombosis?

Acute venous thrombosis Is a disease caused by the appearance of a blood clot in the lumen of a vein. Thrombosis can be accompanied by inflammation of the vein - thrombophlebitis.

Most often, acute thrombosis occurs in the veins of the lower extremities. Blood clots can appear in the subcutaneous or deep veins. In this case, the blood flow through the vessel is partially or completely blocked.

Acute vein thrombosis occurs when three factors act on the body at once: damage to the vein wall, impaired blood flow and increased blood clotting.

Signs of acute venous thrombosis:

  • bursting pain;
  • heaviness in the leg;
  • rapidly increasing swelling of the limb;
  • if the thrombus is located in the superficial veins, then the skin above it turns red, and if in deep veins, then the leg turns pale and becomes bluish.
For the treatment of acute venous thrombosis, heparin is used for 7-10 days, antiplatelet agents (Acetylsalicylic acid, Curantil) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac and Ketoprofen). If drug treatment does not bring results, then the blood clot is removed surgically or a cava filter is inserted into the vein, designed to prevent the clot from entering the vessels of the lungs and brain.

What does a leg look like with vein thrombosis?

With thrombosis of the saphenous veins, the symptoms of the disease are clearly visible:
  • a swollen knotty vein is visible under the skin;
  • a thrombus looks like a round or sinuous blue seal;
  • the skin around the blood clot is reddened and swollen;
  • the small surrounding veins are overflowing with blood and are clearly visible under the skin in the form of blue twisting lines.

How to prevent venous thrombosis?

  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • If you have a "sedentary" or "standing" job, take a break of 5 minutes every hour to stretch your legs:
    • walk up the steps;
    • rise on your toes several times;
    • rotate your feet;
    • sit back in your chair and place your feet on the table.
  • Massage your feet. Start with your fingers. Use stroking movements to stimulate blood flow up the veins.
  • Walk at least 30 minutes daily.
  • At the end of the day, take a foot bath or contrast shower at a comfortable temperature for 5-10 minutes.
  • Eat right. Eat more plant foods to avoid constipation and excess weight.
  • After surgery or serious illness, try to get back on your feet as soon as your doctor tells you.
  • For bedridden patients, proper care should be provided: massage, passive gymnastics, a roller under the feet.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Use compression hosiery or elastic bandage to improve blood flow in the veins. This is especially true for people with varicose veins.
  • The most effective remedy is drug prophylaxis. For these purposes, Aspirin is widely used, and Warfarin, it is recommended before and after surgery. People with a high risk of blood clots are prescribed low molecular weight heparins: Tinzaparin, Danaparoid.
Vein thrombosis of the lower extremities is a common and dangerous disease, but it is in your power to protect yourself and your loved ones from it.

A thrombus is a blood clot that forms in the circulatory system of a living person. How they are formed, where they are located, why a blood clot breaks off in a person and how dangerous it is - this is described in this article.

Due to injury to the inner walls of blood vessels by harmful factors, a protective mechanism is triggered, and the blood coagulates faster.

Who is most susceptible to their appearance:

  • men "over 40";
  • women who have already entered menopause;
  • alcoholics;
  • people suffering from oncology;
  • sedentary people;
  • smokers;
  • coffee lovers in large quantities;
  • future and newly minted mothers;
  • obese people;
  • women using hormonal contraceptives.

What is a detached blood clot

In the first few days, the clot is loose, and it is unlikely that it will go anywhere. Then it begins to strengthen, shrink, and all the liquid that it contains is released and lubricates it. Because of this, the likelihood that he will wander is very high.

Why does a blood clot come off

The doctor cannot say the specific reason that influenced the separation. But, at the same time, there are two conditions that facilitate this process:

  • not very dense arrangement of formations in the vessels - such clots form in large veins;
  • a rapid flow of blood, which is not hindered by anything - its strength should be enough to tear off a blood clot.

Blood clots that form in small vessels and block them are not dangerous, because there is not enough power in the blood flow to displace them. But the formations that appear in large veins or arteries almost always separate and begin to travel through the circulatory system.

It is impossible to find out where the blood clot will end up and which pathology will provoke: stroke, heart attack, thrombosis of the lower extremities or pulmonary embolism (PE).

If medical assistance is not provided to the victim in the shortest possible time, then a fatal outcome occurs.

  • Stroke is an acute disorder of the blood circulation in the brain. In this regard, permanent damage to the brain and the main part of the nervous system occurs. It can be hemorrhagic or ischemic. When the blood flow is disturbed, the nutrition of the nerve cells is insufficient, and this leads to a lack of oxygen and glucose in the brain.
  • A heart attack is the death of a portion of the heart muscle, due to a critical decrease in coronary blood flow. One of the types of functional myocardial damage due to ischemia. There is a high probability of death during the first 2 hours of a heart attack.
  • Thrombosis of the lower extremities - damages both superficial and deep veins. Thrombosis can form not only in patients, but also in healthy vessels. Clots often provoke inflammation where they appear, leading to the formation of new clots.
  • - clogging of the artery of the lungs, or its branches, with a piece of blood clot - an embolus. Most often they occur in the veins of the lower extremities, pelvis. Due to the appearance of an obstacle, the pressure in the pulmonary artery begins to rise, and can increase very much - as a result, acute heart failure is formed, which sometimes leads to death. With PE, difficulties begin with blood flow to the lungs, therefore oxygen starvation begins in the human body.

What are the differences? What exist

In appearance and structure, there are:

  • white. The structure is fibrin, leukocytes and platelets. Formed at a slow pace with rapid circulation;
  • red. Structure - erythrocytes and platelets, fibrin. They form rapidly with a calm blood flow;
  • mixed. The structure is layered, in its composition they have both red and white blood clots. Most common;
  • hyaline. The structure is precipitating plasma proteins, destroyed erythrocytes, while resembling hyaline.

The place of origin is distinguished:

  • arterial;
  • venous;
  • thrombi of microcirculatory vessels.

Depending on the size relative to the vessel, there are:

  • parietal thrombus... It appears in the heart due to inflammation (thromboendocarditis), in large arteries (atherosclerosis), during chronic heart failure (coronary artery disease, heart disease), in dilated vessels due to aneurysm, in inflamed veins (thrombophlebitis);
  • blocking (occluding) thrombus. It is more often formed in fine veins, arteries, during an increase in parietal thrombus, less often in large arteries and aorta.

Symptoms

Stroke

  • weakness, numbness in the arm, leg, lips or half of the face - sometimes with a "skewed" face;
  • violation of speech, its understanding;
  • sudden loss of balance, dizziness, lack of coordination;
  • loss of consciousness;
  • causeless, acute headache;
  • deviation of the language.

Heart attack

  • acute pain in the left side of the chest;
  • panic attacks;
  • shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, clammy sweat;
  • heart rhythm failure.
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • cough;
  • drop in blood pressure;
  • difficulties with coordination, speech, vision;
  • pallor of the skin, especially on the face.

Lower limb thrombosis

  • an increase in temperature at the site of the lesion;
  • the total temperature can rise to 39 and this is not the limit;
  • edema below the affected area with a clot;
  • bursting pain in the affected vein;
  • heaviness in the legs;
  • glossy, bluish skin.

Superficial vessels become more visible, due to the fact that part of the blood volume from the thrombosed vein is directed into them.

TELA

  • sudden, seemingly unreasonable shortness of breath;
  • pale, grayish skin;
  • heart murmurs, increased heart rate;
  • pain in various areas of the chest;
  • the occurrence of problems with intestinal peristalsis;
  • pain on palpation of the abdomen;
  • swelling of the veins of the neck, pulsation of the aorta;
  • low blood pressure.
  • hemoptysis;
  • vomiting;
  • fluid in the chest cavity;
  • fever;
  • fainting;
  • convulsions;
  • coma.

If a person has a blood clot, is it possible to save him

If symptoms arise, you need to help the patient to lie down comfortably, call an ambulance, and it is advisable to apply a cooling compress to the damaged area. Before the ambulance arrives, the victim can be given anesthetic.

If you think that you are predisposed to the formation of blood clots in the vessels, you need to consult a doctor and get tested.

Based on the results, he will be able to tell you a plan of action in case of a clot separation.

Treatment

Medication:

  • with blockage of the veins of the legs, heparin-based drugs, venotonic drugs, wearing elastic bandages, compression stockings are prescribed;
  • anticoagulants and thrombolytics are prescribed to remove stagnation;
  • narrowed coronary arteries require the use of Nitroglycerin and antiplatelet agents;
  • with encephalopathy, antihypoxic drugs are prescribed;
  • during atherosclerosis, a complex of treatment with statins, membrane stabilizers, vasodilating drugs is used.

If medications do not bring any effect, then an operation is performed.

Surgically:

  • coronary artery bypass grafting - blood flow to the heart is restored by installing a vascular prosthesis;
  • stenting - expansion of stented vessels with the help of a framework. Surgical removal of fragments of the affected areas.

It is possible to install a filter that stops the movement of a torn off thrombus.

Prevention of thrombosis

Measures to be taken to avoid blood flow problems:

  • stable physical activity, the fight against hypodynamia - the correct formation of working conditions, therapeutic exercises, walking in the fresh air;
  • following simple rules during long trips - knee and ankle warm-up, enough drink, comfortable clothing;
  • hardening the body, strengthening immunity, a reasonable diet rich in vitamins;
  • rejection of negative habits - alcohol and tobacco;
  • wearing compression clothing - stockings, tights, knee-highs;
  • stopping the use of embarrassing clothing - belts, tight elastic bands on underwear, corsets, tight shoes, tight-fitting clothing;
  • exclusion of all kinds of thermal procedures - baths, baths, saunas, prolonged exposure to the scorching sun;
  • therapeutic diet;
  • taking medications at critical stages and with increased stress - various vitamins, acids and anticoagulants.

Both treatment and prevention should be prescribed by an experienced specialist, do not self-medicate!

The main symptoms are:

Thrombosis is a condition in which dense blood clots (clumps of platelets) form inside the blood vessels, which interfere with the free circulation of blood throughout the bloodstream. Blockage of blood vessels by blood clots causes discomfort in the hands or feet (depending on the location of the blood clot).

Basically, the disease affects the lower parts of the body, therefore deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities occurs most often, but it should be said that the lack of adequate treatment can subsequently lead to serious disruption of the cardiovascular system, the development of blood diseases, or (with complete blockage of one of the vessels) death.

Etiology of the disease

Having figured out what thrombosis is, one cannot but tell about the most likely causes of its occurrence, which include:

  • violation of the integrity of the vascular wall - occurs against the background of injuries, narrowing or deformation of blood vessels during pregnancy and childbirth (as a result of excessive tension of the vascular walls after childbirth, thrombosis of the hemorrhoid very often occurs) or due to non-compliance with the doctor's recommendations after extensive surgical interventions;
  • stagnation of blood circulation - develops due to a sedentary lifestyle or bed rest prescribed by a doctor in case of illness (venous stasis often causes deep vein thrombosis and the development of varicose veins);
  • problems with blood clotting - occur due to an increase in the amount and blood that can develop against a background of hormonal imbalance, in case of metabolic failures or when taking oral contraceptives (women who started taking birth control pills without consulting a doctor are very at risk of deep thrombosis veins, therefore, self-medication is not recommended for anyone).

In addition to all of the above, the symptoms of thrombosis can bother people with cancer and kidney problems.

Varieties and symptoms of the disease

Doctors distinguish between two forms of thrombosis - venous (phlebothrombosis) and arterial, which, in turn, are divided into several subspecies. In addition, there is acute and chronic thrombosis, characterized by a sluggish course with alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.

As for arterial thrombosis, it most often occurs against the background of blockage of the vascular lumen by atherosclerotic plaques, for this reason the disease is also called atherothrombosis, and can lead to a heart attack of any organ or cerebral stroke.

Intestinal form of disease development

The arterial form of the disease includes intestinal thrombosis (or mesenteric thrombosis), which develops against the background of blockage of the superior mesenteric artery. Basically, it affects the elderly, with the same frequency occurs in men and women.

The main reasons that cause thrombosis of mesenteric vessels include heart disease, during which myocardial infarction develops, or. The latter condition is considered one of the most dangerous, since the lack of treatment can lead to the fact that mesenteric thrombosis can develop into embolism and cause the patient's death.

Intestinal thrombosis can be recognized by the following:

  • sharp, sometimes paroxysmal, intense pain in the abdomen, the localization of which depends on which vessel the thrombus is in (in the event that the pain is in the right iliac region, intestinal thrombosis must be differentiated from acute appendicitis);
  • nausea and vomiting with abdominal pain;
  • heart palpitations;
  • loose stools, which may contain bloody blotches (of course, based on this symptom alone, it is impossible to diagnose intestinal thrombosis, but if it is accompanied by the above symptoms, then you should immediately go to the doctor);
  • an increased body temperature also indicates the development of thrombosis, the symptoms of the disease appear as it progresses, that is, at first the temperature, if it is increased, then not much, and when a thrombus closes the lumen of an artery and the beginning of intestinal necrosis, it will begin to rise rapidly.

As it develops, intestinal thrombosis will increasingly resemble (bloating, severe peristalsis disorders, vomiting), so only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Phlebothrombosis and its types

Phlebothrombosis is a disease in which there is a blockage (complete or partial) of deep veins (for this reason it is also called deep vein thrombosis). As can be understood from the definition, during the development of the disease, the lumen of one or more venous vessels is blocked by a thrombus, which seriously disrupts the functioning of the venous system.

At the same time, symptoms of the inflammatory process may be absent, but most often phlebothrombosis is accompanied by severe intoxication of the body. Most blood clots form in the lower body, so thrombosis of the lower extremities is the most common type of this disease. However, the most dangerous are floating blood clots, which are localized mainly in the veins of the small pelvis, because they can cause the development of pulmonary thromboembolism, therefore, everyone should know the signs of thrombosis.

The main symptoms indicating that phlebothrombosis develops in the patient's body include pain at the site of the thrombus, redness of the skin and slight swelling (depending on the type of disease, the symptoms may vary).

The defeat of the deep veins of the lower extremities

It should be said right away that deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities is considered a rather serious disease, which is often asymptomatic and accompanied by all kinds of complications. Basically, the disease is accompanied by pain in the limb affected by the thrombus (in fact, if you list the most likely signs of thrombosis, then the pain syndrome will take the first place in the diagnosis of the disease), the intensity of which increases with prolonged walking or climbing stairs. Subsequently, patients begin to complain of a feeling of fullness in the legs, swelling and discoloration of the skin (thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities causes a bluish skin tone).

Specialists also diagnose phlebothrombosis by the occurrence of pulling pains in the area of \u200b\u200bthe inner side of the thighs (less often the feet), the appearance of pain in the limb at a pressure of 80-100 mm Hg (when the vessels are clean, then pain does not arise even if the pressure is increased to 150 units), visual expansion of superficial veins.

Symptoms of blockage of the veins of the hemorrhoid

Talking about deep vein thrombosis, one cannot but recall the thrombus lesions of hemorrhoids that occur after pregnancy, childbirth, with prolonged hypothermia, as a result of constipation or sports (lifting dumbbells, horse riding). Thrombosis of the external hemorrhoid develops when the vessels of the perinatal region rupture and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • pain, itching and burning in the anal area, aggravated by bowel movements or prolonged walking;
  • swelling in the anal area, spasm and soreness of the sphincter;
  • very often phlebothrombosis of hemorrhoids is accompanied by the prolapse of venous vessels outward with subsequent rupture, which threatens the infection with the blood and general intoxication of the body, therefore, it is not worth delaying the treatment of this condition.

In addition to all of the above, deep vein thrombosis is subdivided into another separate subspecies of the disease - ileofemoral thrombosis. This disease is characterized by lesions of large vessels in the iliac and femoral veins, complete blockage of which can lead to death. Ileofemoral phlebothrombosis develops acutely - the patient begins to worry about complete edema of the affected limb (from groin to foot), cyanosis of the skin and an increase in body temperature. With complete obstruction of blood vessels, gangrene can begin, and if blood circulation is maintained at least in a small amount, then the symptoms of thrombosis gradually regress.

The disease develops against the background of trauma or malignant formations in the pelvic organs and requires immediate treatment. It should be remembered that even with the slightest suspicion of ileofemoral thrombosis, the patient is prescribed bed rest, and doctors are engaged in treatment in an angiosurgical hospital (if conservative therapy does not help, then specialists perform an operation).

Cavernous sinus blockage

One of the most dangerous types of this disease is cavernous sinus thrombosis, which is accompanied by the formation of a blood clot at the base of a large vein in the brain. Blockage of blood vessels, as a rule, occurs against the background of an infectious and inflammatory process in the area of \u200b\u200bthe eyes and nose, which spreads to the brain. The person suffers from severe headaches, cramps and bulging eyes. In addition, sick people have severe disorders of the nervous system or a sharp increase in body temperature, and the lack of adequate treatment can lead to the development of a coma (traditional medicine in this case will not help, you need to consult a doctor for help).

Diagnostics

Deep vein thrombosis is diagnosed using invasive and non-invasive research methods, which include:

  • phlebography ascending using a contrast agent (the most accurate method of analysis);
  • duplex scanning of blood vessels with ultrasound (most often phlebothrombosis is diagnosed after such a study);
  • thromboelastography (graphic recording of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis);
  • radionuclide scanning.

Phlebothrombosis of a mesenteric nature is diagnosed using an X-ray of the abdominal cavity, a clinical blood test (for the presence of increased leukocytosis), and, in the most severe cases, by conducting laparoscopy, and thrombosis of the cavernous sinus can be seen on a computer thermogram.

Prevention and treatment of the disease

Effective treatment of thrombosis should be comprehensive and consist of drug therapy (drugs are prescribed by a doctor), the use of traditional medicine, minimally invasive drug techniques and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

Treatment of thrombosis first takes place in a hospital setting, while the first few days (while doctors are doing all the necessary research), the patient is prescribed bed rest and it is forbidden to carry out any thermal procedures (they can lead to the detachment of a blood clot and a deterioration in the patient's well-being). Therapy with folk remedies at this stage is also undesirable.

Inpatient treatment of thrombosis begins with intravenous administration of heparin, a natural anticoagulant that prevents the growth of an already formed thrombus and thins the blood. The course of treatment lasts seven days, after which the patient is prescribed direct anticoagulants ("Warfarin") and nicotinic acid (dissolves blood clots). The therapy can last from 6 to 8 months.

Surgical treatment of thrombosis is prescribed in especially severe cases when there is a likelihood of necrosis, gangrene or thrombus separation.

As for the treatment of folk remedies, they can be used with a sluggish nature of the disease as an adjunct to drug therapy. The most popular are the use of herbal decoctions, treatment with honey or foot baths prepared on the basis of Potentilla root. Medicines must be taken within six months, otherwise they will not give any effect.

Prevention of thrombosis consists in periodic intake of heparin (in order to avoid bleeding, the dose of the medicine is prescribed by the doctor), regular use of traditional medicine (a decoction of nettle and tincture of acacia gives a good effect).

Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure, therefore the prevention of thrombosis is very important in the life of every person. In any case, a doctor should deal with both treatment and prevention of the disease, self-medication can only harm health and aggravate the condition of the blood vessels.

Probably every person has heard about blood clots and thrombosis, but not everyone knows how dangerous it can be. It is the thrombus that is responsible for the development of such fatal diseases as myocardial infarction and. Also, due to the formation of blood clots, gangrene can develop, and if it is torn off, it can develop.

Thrombus, what is a thrombus

Very often in the media you can hear that it was the blood clot that caused this or that popular artist or director. At first glance, there is nothing wrong with this word, but many are wondering why it can be dangerous. So what is a blood clot. Thrombusrepresents blood clotwhich forms in a blood vessel or heart cavity. It consists of proteins, mainly fibrin, and can be parietal or occlusive, i.e. completely covering the lumen of the vessel. Clogging blood clots are more often formed in small vessels, while parietal - in large veins of the lower extremities and the heart cavity.

What causes blood clots

Blood clots - body defense reaction, aimed at stopping bleeding. Everyone knows that with small cuts, the blood stops quickly enough, and this happens due to the closure of damaged capillaries with small blood clots. If the process of thrombosis is violated, life may be threatened. For example, the death of Tsarevich Alexei, who had hemophilia. No blood clots formed in his body, so a small wound turned out to be fatal for him. But the opposite situation, in which the formation of blood clots increases, can be fatal. There are three main reasons from what blood clots formin vessels:

  • Changes in the vascular wall;
  • Increased blood viscosity;
  • Disrupted blood flow.

No one can tell why does a blood clot come off exactly at the moment when you least expect it. For example, a patient is already recovering after an operation and is preparing for discharge. He gets up and begins to pack his things, but suddenly begins to gasp and loses consciousness. This is usually how pulmonary embolism develops. In this regard, timely prevention and effective treatment of blood clots are urgently needed.

Prevention of blood clots

Prevention of blood clots is based on the principles:

  • Healthy food;
  • An active lifestyle;
  • Maintaining normal blood viscosity.

Principle healthy eating is aimed mainly at reducing the level. To do this, you need to limit the intake of animal fats, and increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet, as well as fish and greens. These simple rules prevention of blood clotswill allow you to keep vessels elastic for many years. In addition, there are foods that reduce blood clotting. These include cherries, green tea, and beets.

Not only for the prevention of blood clots, but also for keeping the body in good shape, it is necessary to devote at least 30 minutes every day physical exercise... What kind of load will be, everyone chooses. But walks in the fresh air are much more beneficial than exercising in a stuffy gym.

It should also be remembered that the risk of blood clots in the veins of the legs increases dramatically with prolonged stay in a forced position (for example, on an airplane) and with bed rest (for example, after surgery). For prevention of blood clots in these cases, it is necessary to get up and walk as often as possible. In patients in the postoperative period, the use of elastic leg bandages is justified.

For maintaining normal viscosity blood, the doctor may recommend taking Aspirin or Warfarin. They affect different parts of blood clot formation and have their own strict indications and contraindications. Taking these drugs without a doctor's prescription can be dangerous.

Blood clot treatment

Blood clot treatment primarily depends on where it is located.

When arterial thrombosis it is necessary to restore blood flow in the affected vessel as soon as possible. If a catastrophe happened in the brain, then a doctor for blood clot treatment no more than 2-3 hours, if in the heart no more than 6 hours. The most resistant to malnutrition were the tissues of the limbs and intestines. There are two main ways to remove a blood clot.

1. Surgical method, which includes

  • shunting,
  • stenting and
  • mechanical clot removal.

When shunting the surgeon performs the imposition of an additional blood supply path bypassing the affected vessel. This open operation is performed under general anesthesia. A more modern way of troubleshooting is stenting... This method consists of placing a stent (a hollow cylinder like a spring) into the narrowed area of \u200b\u200bthe vessel. It is produced through a puncture in the artery and does not require anesthesia. Before stenting, the clot is sometimes removed by suction with a special syringe.

2.Therapeutic method

It consists in dissolving a blood clot with the help of special drugs (thrombolytics) administered intravenously.

A slightly different treatment tactics for venous thrombosis... Here everything is determined by how high the danger of its separation from the vessel wall is.

When floating blood clots (freely moving in the lumen of the vessel) perform vein ligation or set a special trap for blood clots - a cava filter. To stabilize a thrombus, heparin or its analogs (fraxiparin, clexane) can be used.

When complete closure the lumen of the vein, medications can be used that will destroy the blood clot and in some cases lead to the restoration of blood flow through the damaged vessel. These include heparin and warfarin. In rare cases for blood clot treatment using its surgical removal from the vein.

Blood clots are like a medal that has two sides. On the one hand, it protects the body from bleeding, on the other hand, it can lead to sudden death. Therefore, it is very important to know the main symptoms of thrombosis in order to get medical help in time. Preventive measures are also important, consisting mainly of a healthy diet and moderate physical activity. Do not forget about the risk of blood clots during forced physical inactivity (on the plane or after surgery). In this case, elastic bandaging of the legs or the use of compression stockings is justified.

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