Thrombosis mainly affects the legs, but different forms of the disease can occur throughout the body
OR National Day for the Fight and Prevention of Thrombosis (09/16) appeared in 2012. The goal of the date is to raise awareness about the disease and reduce the number of undiagnosed cases. To achieve this objective it is essential to promote awareness of the disease among the population.
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According to research by the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV), based on information from Datasus and the Ministry of Health, Brazil faces a considerable challenge regarding thrombosis. This is because, on average, 113 people per day are hospitalized in the public health network for treatment of the disease.
The data also shows that between January 2012 and May 2022, 425,404 Brazilians were hospitalized due to venous thrombosis. Of the total number of consultations, 394,254 (92.7%) were urgent, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and, furthermore, adequate treatment.
What is thrombosis?
Thrombosis is a vascular condition that occurs when blood clots cause interruption of blood flow. There are two main types of thrombosis: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which develops in the deep veins of the legs, and arterial thrombosis, which occurs in the arteries, usually due to the buildup of fatty plaques, known as atherosclerosis.
DVT can be caused by factors such as: prolonged immobility, surgery, trauma, genetic predisposition, cancer, hormone use, pregnancy, postpartum and obesity. Arterial thrombosis, however, is often associated with smoking, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. These, in fact, are risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Why it is important to diagnose the disease early
Dr. Camila Oliveira, angiologist and vascular surgeon at the Venous Clinic, explains the importance of diagnosis. Furthermore, the doctor warns about the consequences of thrombosis, which can be serious if not diagnosed early.
“When a clot in a vein breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, it can obstruct the flow of circulation to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal condition called pulmonary embolism. Just as untreated vein thrombosis can lead to chronic swelling and skin ulcers , while arterial thrombosis can cause amputation of the leg, acute myocardial infarction or stroke”, warns the specialist.
Symptoms of thrombosis
According to the specialist, thrombosis often has silent symptoms. Therefore, they can go unnoticed or be confused with other diseases. “People may ignore the early signs, which can make the situation even worse,” warns the doctor.
“It is extremely important that everyone is aware of the typical symptoms of thrombosis and consult a specialist doctor, who will make the diagnosis using vascular Doppler, which is an ultrasound that evaluates the blood flow in the veins and arteries”, explains the doctor Camila Oliveira.
The vascular surgeon highlights some symptoms associated with venous thrombosis:
- Leg pain and swelling: Deep vein thrombosis often begins with pain and swelling in the affected leg;
- Redness of the course of the vein: when thrombosis affects the more superficial veins it is called thrombophlebitis, in which the course of the vein becomes red and hardened;
- Shortness of breath and chest pain: In severe cases, thrombosis can lead to pulmonary embolism, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and even death;
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs.
Symptoms related to arterial thrombosis are:
- Pain or tenderness in the affected leg, which may be constant or increase during walking, causing the patient to stop walking or even wake up during sleep due to pain;
- Coldness, paleness, and purplish color of the fingers or toes;
- Loss of organ function: If arterial thrombosis occurs in a vital organ, such as the heart, brain, or kidneys, it can lead to symptoms related to dysfunction of that organ, such as acute myocardial infarction, stroke, or kidney failure.
Prevention and awareness of the disease
Prevention and awareness are key elements in the battle against thrombosis. Therefore, it is essential that people are well informed about the risk factors and warning signs associated with this serious vascular condition. “In case of suspected thrombosis or in the presence of risk factors, a medical consultation is recommended without delay”, warns Camila.
The angiologist also adds some effective measures that can help reduce the risk of thrombosis. Watch:
- Move regularly, avoiding sitting or standing for long periods, especially during long journeys;
- Stay well hydrated to ensure adequate blood flow;
- For high-risk individuals, use compression stockings;
- Control risk factors, such as obesity, smoking and use of hormonal contraceptives.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
