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Thrombosis is one of the most common circulatory problems. In Brazil, the disease is responsible for more than 100 daily hospitalizations, representing a risk to the well-being and lives of people of different age groups.
It represents almost 500,000 admissions in a period of just one decade. Because of this, it is essential that we know what the signs of thrombosis are, in addition to understanding its causes and ways to prevent the problem.
So, keep reading and clear all your doubts about the topic, with content prepared exclusively for you!
What is thrombosis?
Thrombosis is nothing more than a circulation problem. It happens when clots form in veins or arteries.
Clots are a collection of blood cells that, in turn, block the passage of blood through that pathway. Thus, there is blood accumulation in the affected limb and lack of oxygenation in areas where it cannot reach.
As blood carries oxygen throughout our body, it is possible for tissues to “die” because they are not properly oxygenated. Therefore, thrombosis is a serious problem that requires immediate intervention.
What are the causes of this problem?
There are several possible causes for the onset of thrombosis. One of the most common is the occurrence of problems in the veins and arteries, such as arteriosclerosis. This causes the walls of these “tubes” to become hardened, preventing their natural mobility.
In addition, people who stay immobile for a long time also have a greater predisposition to develop this problem. Other possible risk factors are:
- obesity;
- smoking;
- use of some medications;
- genetic problems;
- hormonal problems;
- autoimmune diseases.
What are the types of thrombosis?
See some of the main types of the disease!
superficial venous thrombosis
It is one of the simplest types of thrombosis. It happens in superficial veins, that is, which are closer to the “outside” of the body.
Deep vein thrombosis
Unlike superficial thrombosis, deep thrombosis occurs in veins that are further “inside” the body. It is a very common type, mainly affecting limbs such as the legs.
renal venous thrombosis
In that case, thrombosis affects the veins that pass through the kidneys, irrigating the organ and making it work properly. This type of thrombosis often predisposes to the occurrence of clots in other areas of the body.
arterial thrombosis
Arterial thromboses are less common, but just as dangerous. Its occurrence is associated with heart attacks or strokes (popularly known as strokes).
What are the signs of thrombosis?
Check out, now, some of the main signs of thrombosis and its characteristics.
Dor local
When there is a thrombosis, one of the most common signs is the presence of pain. Sometimes it feels like a very strong pressure, but it can also be the throbbing type. In addition, the person may experience numbness and tingling in the affected region.
pain to the touch
Another very common symptom in cases of thrombosis is pain when touched. Therefore, even if you do not experience discomfort on a daily basis, it is possible that you will feel it when you touch the region where the thrombus is located.
skin tightening
Thrombosis can cause your skin to become tight, as if it’s stretched out. In addition to this being noticed with the naked eye, it is possible to notice the change due to the discomfort felt.
Swelling
With the accumulation of blood, another problem that can arise is swelling in the area. One way to understand it is to compare the two limbs — since, in most cases, thrombosis only affects one region at a time.
Increased temperature on site
Inflammation and blood “damming” can also contribute to an increase in temperature in the affected region, in addition to a characteristic redness. This can be felt when we place our hand on one leg and the other, noticing a difference between them.
Change in skin color
Finally, another very common symptom is the change in skin color in the affected region. As the blood is accumulated there, it is possible for the area to become very reddish or even purplish, depending on the amount of blood extravasation.
In addition to these, there are other signs that may arise according to each type of thrombosis. Therefore, it is important to always keep an eye on the symptoms and know your body, so that you can identify any changes quickly.
How to prevent thrombosis?
Although thrombosis often has a genetic factor involved, it is possible to reduce the chances of developing this disease. For this you can:
- have an adequate diet;
- avoid staying in the same position for a long time;
- do physical activities;
- maintain a healthy weight;
- avoid cigarettes.
Also, performing frequent check-ups is another great strategy. Although regular exams do not prevent the development of the problem, they can help in its early diagnosis, which improves the effectiveness of the proposed treatments.
How is thrombosis treated?
If you cannot prevent the problem, you will need to treat it. The therapies chosen by the doctor will depend on several factors, such as the type of thrombosis you have.
However, in general, the strategies used are:
- use of drugs to thin the blood or dissolve clots;
- performing procedures, such as inserting catheters to expand veins and arteries, allowing blood to pass through;
- implementation of a healthier lifestyle, to help with the treatment and prevent recurrence of the problem.
As we can see, the signs of thrombosis are very clear and indicate that something is wrong with your body. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Take the opportunity to learn a little about the genetic test for diseases: a simple test, but one that can bring precious information about your health, helping to prevent several problems!
Technical review: Alexandre R. Marra, researcher at the Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein (IIEP) and permanent professor at the Graduate Program in Health Sciences at the Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE).
Source: vidasaudavel.einstein.br
