The formation of a blood clot is generally a normal process that occurs to staunch bleeding. This is necessary when you experience a cut, for example. However, sometimes blood will clot unnecessarily. These blood clots, also called thrombosis, can be serious and even life-threatening, and can occur in either superficial or deep veins. In the case of deep vein thrombosis, blood clots can break off and move to the heart, lungs or brain, causing severe consequences.
Causes and Risk Factors
Abnormal blood clots can be caused by a variety of factors. Broken bones, bumps or bruises can lead to clots, as well as consistent bed or chair confinement. If you have varicose veins, heart trouble, a history of blood clots or relatives who have had clots, you are most susceptible to them. Other possible causes are hormone use, recent surgery, stroke or becoming paralyzed. Being over age 65 or obese can contribute to blood clots as well.
Symptoms
Unusual swelling in an arm or leg can signal the presence of thrombosis. Other symptoms include red skin, soreness and warmth in the area affected. You may also suffer from a headache, dizziness, pressure, weakness, vision problems or shortness of breath. If you suffer any combination of these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Treatment
Heparin, a blood-thinning medication, can be injected under the skin to treat the blood clot. You may have to receive, or give yourself, multiple injections of heparin. You may also be prescribed warfarin, an oral pill. The shots will probably ended after a week, while the warfarin may need to be taken for three to six months or more.
Complications
One extremely serious complication of deep vein thrombosis is pulmonary embolism. If a blood clot breaks off and moves through the bloodstream, there is the possibility that it can position itself so that it partially or completely blocks an artery in the lung. If you develop a new cough, begin breathing rapidly, experience an increased heart rate or suffer chest pain, see a physician immediately as pulmonary embolism is a possibility. Another common complication of blood clots is post-thrombotic syndrome. This occurs when a clot stays in the leg vein for an extended period, causing damage to the vein or one of its valves. This can become serious if a backflow of blood occurs (reflux). Have any leg pain, swelling, edema, ulcer or varicose veins checked by a medical physician to rule out post-thrombotic syndrome.
Prevention
There are some measures you can take to help prevent thrombosis. Stay active and shift positions often to decrease the risk of developing a clot. If you have to be sedentary due to surgery or injury, get active again as soon as you can. Losing weight, controlling blood pressure, stopping smoking and lowering your salt intake will also lower your risk of suffering from thrombosis. Keep your legs six inches above your heart when reclining, wear compression stockings and avoid crossing your legs to help avoid clots.
