Thrombosis

If you go to the doctor and they tell you that you have Thrombosis, you may not understand exactly what it is. This is especially true if you are not familiar with the term and let's face it; not all doctors are good with explanations. Here is the simple answer to the question, "What is thrombosis?"

Easy to Understand Explanation

Thrombosis is the technical term doctor's use that makes people wonder "What is Thrombosis?" All it means is that you have blood clots in a vein or artery. This blood clot obstructs blood flow through the vein. You doctor may have used other words to describe your particular problem.

If the clot is located in your vein it can be referred to as a venous thrombosis. If it is in an artery, they may have called it an arterial thrombosis. There are other types of thrombosis and each one is relevant to the type and location of the clot. These other types are called names such as:

- Renal Vein Thrombosis
- DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Coronary Thrombosis
- Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

They are specific to the part of the body that is affected.

What Causes Thrombosis?

There are several reasons you may have developed thrombosis. You may have damaged your vein (bruised it severely) or you may have developed it due to an illness or injury that kept you in a bed immobile for an extended period of time.

Certain medications, diseases, and hardened arteries can cause it. Some people inherit conditions that put them at a greater risk. Others who either smoke or were obese are also going to be more likely to develop a clot.

When Asking "What is Thrombosis?" You Should Also Ask "Is It Serious?"

Thrombosis, either in the artery or vein is a serious concern. Though this concern is worse depending on where it is, such as in one of the two main arteries that lead to the heart. The risk to your health comes if the clot breaks free and detaches from the vein to float freely through your veins. It can then travel through your body and cause major issues for you.

If your doctor has stated that you have thrombosis, you are at an increased risk of having a heart attack, stroke, and other complications that could be life threatening if not treated.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms will vary between one person and the next, much the same as treatment for thrombosis will depend on where the clot is, what type of clot has formed and how severe a threat it poses by its location. They may cause pain, discomfort and tenderness, swelling, etc. The only way to be certain that a clot is causing your problems is for your doctor to run tests and do a physical examination.

Treatment could include a blood thinning medication, medications to dissolve the clot, or they can also insert a catheter to withdraw the clot. If you are already on a blood thinner (anticoagulant medication) you need to make sure others doctors are aware of it before any new medication or procedure is performed.