If the blood flow gets disrupted even a bit, it can result in a heart attack or even death.
For example, if blood clots form in your blood vessels, or a chamber in your heart, it can create a blockage in blood flow and lead to a life-threatening emergency. This phenomenon is called thrombosis.
Every year, World Thrombosis Day is observed on October 13. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis has set aside this day, to create more awareness about this health condition.
Thrombosis comes in two categories – Arterial thrombosis and venous thrombosis. Arterial thrombosis is a health condition wherein blood clots form in the artery. Arteries control blood regulation to the rest of your body. If they get blocked, it may cause a stroke. In the case of venous thrombosis, blood clots form in the veins. In advanced stages, they occur in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
What Are The Risk Factors For Thrombosis?
According to a Cleveland Clinic report, any health condition that can potentially interrupt healthy blood flow can cause thrombosis. These include:
- Cancer.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Chronic Heart Failure.
- Inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.
- Hormone replacement therapy.
- Obesity
- Pregnancy.
What Is A Blood Clot?
As the name implies, a blood clot is a semi-solid lump of blood that forms in the blood vessels. Although they play a protective role in preventing you from bleeding out in case of an injury, certain medical conditions as mentioned above, can also lead to the formation of a blood clot.
What Are Some Symptoms Of Thrombosis?
- An excruciating pain in your jaw, neck, or arm.
- Sudden breathing troubles.
- An unexplained incapacity to move a limb or arm.
- Slurred speech.
In advanced stages when the heart is affected, you may experience:
- An intense chest pain.
- A bout of breathlessness.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea, vomiting, fever.
How To Prevent Thrombosis?
While you cannot exactly prevent the formation of blood clots (especially if you have an underlying health condition), you can reduce the risk of relapse by keeping in touch with your healthcare provider. Your doctor may recommend you take up:
- Blood pressure medications, to relieve pressure on vessels. You will also be told to undergo stress therapy.
- Lose weight. As we all know, excess weight causes inflammation and increases the risk of thrombosis.
- Control your diet. Food with excessive oil and salt can increase your cholesterol levels and also form plaques in your heart which in turn, increases the risk of heart attacks and formation of blood clots.
