What causes blood clots and the development of thrombi? Are there any different risk factors that can lead to their appearance?
The development of thrombi can pose a risk to life, since they can block vessels of vital organs for life.
Thrombosis can lead to serious pathologies. Different risk factors can lead to its appearance. In addition, the influence of good lifestyle habits is decisive in preventing this condition.
In this article we will tell you about the risks and causes of a thrombosis, as well as how to prevent and treat them.
What causes blood clots?
Reduction in the speed of blood flow. This reduced flow may be due to excessive rest, a tight bandage, a splint, a venous condition, or dehydration.
If there has been an injury to a vascular wall. In this case, it can be the product of an operation, a wound, inflammation, venous alterations due to age, etc. Also in these cases there is an increased risk of thrombosis.
There is also an increased risk of thrombosis associated with age, being overweight, with tobacco use and pregnancy.
The need for thrombosis treatment
The venous system of the legs is made up of superficial veins, located in the connective tissue that we have under the skin. There are also other deeper veins, integrated into the musculature.
As a clot forms in the deep veins of the leg, the return of blood to the heart will occur very slowly.
Symptoms of thrombosis in the leg
In a thrombosis, the blood stagnates and the veins become inflamed; The following is a sharp pain, similar to that of stiffness. When the legs are raised, this pain is lessened. It can also happen that the skin becomes very sensitive, hot and sometimes bluish in color.
Due to inflammation, deep thrombosis of the legs can cause serious complications. If a piece of clot breaks off, the consequence can be a stroke.
It should not be forgotten that, between three and five days after a thrombosis, the risk of embolism is highest. After venous obstruction, a complication called post-thrombotic syndrome is also common; it is a lesion of the venous valves.
When there is any suspicion that a thrombosis has occurred, it is necessary to go quickly to a hospital.
Risk factors in thrombosis
Some factors that increase the risk of developing thrombosis are:
- Tobacco and alcohol are two major risk factors for thrombosis.
- Obesity and being overweight also increase the chances of suffering from this pathology.
- The use of birth control pills is another major cause.
- Damage caused to the wall of the veins.
- Surgeries, especially in cases of orthopedic knee surgeries.
- Aging.
- Increased levels of estrogens.
- An excess of sedentary lifestyle.
- If there is abnormal clotting, this is known as hypercoagulability.
- Pregnancy.
- Crohn’s disease.
Ways to prevent blood clots
The best way to prevent a thrombosis is to avoid risk factors. For example: stop smoking, avoid the use of oral contraceptives and try to control our weight.
We need to know if we are prone to developing thrombi and we need some kind of preventive therapy. We must collect data on whether there is a family history, rule out hypercoagulability, and perform the pertinent pre-surgical analyzes before undergoing any surgery.
The most important form of prevention is the practice of sports. If you do not do sports, you have to do some exercise such as going for a walk; it is very important not to remain motionless for long hours. If we are sitting working it is necessary to take a few minutes to get up, stretch the legs and walk a little from time to time.
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