Why does thrombus form

What are the risk factors for thrombosis? Many of the risk factors for venous and arterial thrombosis are the same. Risk factors for venous thrombosis may include: A family history of a blood clot in a vein deep in the body, called a deep vein thrombosis DVT A history of DVT Hormone therapy or birth control pills Pregnancy Injury to a vein, such as from surgery, a broken bone, or other trauma Lack of movement, such as after surgery or on a long trip Inherited blood clotting disorders A central venous catheter Older age Smoking Being overweight or obese Some health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, or Crohn's disease Risk factors for arterial thrombosis may include: Smoking Diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Lack of activity and obesity Poor diet Family history of arterial thrombosis Lack of movement, such as after surgery or on a long trip Older age What are the symptoms of thrombosis?

Symptoms may include: Pain in one leg usually the calf or inner thigh Swelling in the leg or arm Chest pain Numbness or weakness on one side of the body Sudden change in your mental state The symptoms of thrombosis may look like other blood disorders or health problems. How is thrombosis diagnosed?

Other tests may include: Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to check the blood flow in your arteries and veins. Blood tests. These may include tests to see how well your blood can clot. For this test, a dye is injected into your veins. Then X-rays are taken to show blood flow and look for clots. The dye makes your veins easier to see on the X-rays. The imaging procedure that is used will depend on the type of blood clot you have and where it is located.

How is thrombosis treated? Your healthcare provider will create a treatment plan for you based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history How sick you are How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies If your condition is expected to get worse What you would like to do Treatment may include: Blood-thinning medicines anticoagulants Thin tubes catheters to widen the affected vessels A wire mesh tube stent that holds a blood vessel open and stops it from closing Medicines to interfere with or dissolve blood clots Your healthcare provider may advise other treatments.

What are the complications of thrombosis? Can thrombosis be prevented? You can reduce your risk of thrombosis by: Being active Getting back to activity as soon as possible after surgery Exercising your legs during long trips Quitting smoking Losing weight Managing other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol Key points Thrombosis occurs when blood clots block veins or arteries.

Symptoms include pain and swelling in one leg, chest pain, or numbness on one side of the body. This complication can lead to permanent vascular damage and — in rare circumstances — may lead to amputation of the affected limb. The speed and success of recovery depends on the location of the clot, as well as the duration and extent of blood flow disruption.

The sooner a doctor starts to treat a thrombus, the lower the risk of long term damage or complications. A research review suggests that statins - commonly used for reducing cholesterol to prevent cardiovascular disease - may also prevent blood clots in…. After giving birth, it is normal for a woman to experience bleeding and to pass some blood clots as the uterus contracts and shrinks. Learn what to…. When blood becomes too thick, it can lead to clots and other complications.

Here, learn more about why it happens and the effects. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, which supplies blood to the lungs. These embolisms affect an estimated 1 in 1, people…. Blood clots are a major public health concern. This article looks at the symptoms of blood clots by location, how to prevent them, risk factors, and….

Everything you need to know about a thrombus. Medically reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, M. Share on Pinterest A thrombus that develops in the leg is called deep vein thrombosis. Share on Pinterest Arterial thrombosis may lead to angina, a type of chest pain. Share on Pinterest A healthful diet can help a person reduce the risk of a thrombus. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help?

Related Coverage. Could statins help to reduce blood clots in veins? A research review suggests that statins - commonly used for reducing cholesterol to prevent cardiovascular disease - may also prevent blood clots in… READ MORE.

Postpartum blood clots and bleeding: What to expect. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Bauer KA, et al. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of the nonpregnant adult with suspected deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity. Bonow RO, et al. Cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Elsevier; Lip GYH, et al. Overview of the treatment of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis DVT. What is venous thromboembolism?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism. Jameson JL, et al. Pulmonary thromboembolism and deep-vein thrombosis. In: Harrison's Manual of Medicine. McGraw Hill; Hull RD, et al.

Biology of warfarin and modulators of INR control. Blood thinner pills: Your guide to using them safely. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Pruthi RK expert opinion. Mayo Clinic.