If a blood clot forms in a vein, it is called a thrombosis. This clot not only impairs blood flow, but can also lead to vascular occlusion. Find out here how you can recognize the signs of different types of thrombosis.
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What is thrombosis?
A thrombosis is a vascular occlusion caused by a blood clot. This clot, also known as a thrombus, can affect blood flow and therefore blood flow and lead to vascular occlusion. In theory, a thrombus can form in any blood vessel. Most of the time, however, the leg veins are affected. According to the German Family Insurance, the deep leg veins are affected in more than half of all cases. About a third of thromboses form in the pelvic veins.
There are different types of thrombosis – depending on which vessel and which part of the body is affected. Since the veins are often affected, the term venous thrombosis is often used. Clots form more easily in a vein than in an artery because blood flows more slowly through the veins. Doctors also differentiate between superficial and deep thrombosis. In the former, the clog is just under the skin. In deep vein thrombosis, the clot is in a vessel in the lower leg region.
5 signs of thrombosis
The symptoms of a thrombosis depend on which blood vessel is affected and at what speed the thrombus has formed. For example, if a vein suddenly occludes, the symptoms are more severe than with a clot that has formed over a long period of time.
thrombosis in the leg
A thrombosis in the leg veins can manifest itself through the following physical signs.
- Pain in the lower leg, thigh, groin and sometimes in the foot. The symptoms are reminiscent of sore muscles.
- The affected threshold may be warm and swollen.
- Changes in the skin: The skin on the affected area may turn red or bluish.
- The veins can be clearly visible.
- A slight fever and an accelerated pulse may also occur.
Left untreated, leg and pelvic thrombosis can develop into a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Because parts of the thrombus can tear off and be carried into the lungs with the bloodstream. A pulmonary embolism is characterized by shortness of breath, chest pain, heart pain, coughing, or fainting.
Thrombosis in the head and heart
- Thrombosis in the head: Those affected have severe headaches, in the worst case the thrombosis can trigger a stroke .
- Thrombosis in the heart: those affected report severe pain in the chest and atrial fibrillation. The blood clot can lead to a heart attack .
treat thrombosis
The sooner a thrombosis is identified and treated, the better the chances of dissolving the clot before it causes more damage or develops into a life-threatening embolism. Thrombosis can be resolved by medication or can be surgically removed. However, an operation is only considered if there is a larger occlusion. Other measures to prevent further thrombosis formation are the administration of heparin, elevation of the affected limbs and wearing a compression bandage.
