Vein Thrombosis Dangers

Venous thrombosis can affect either the superficial or deep veins.

It usually occurs in the lower limbs. 

Several factors are important when it comes to venous thrombosis, such as:

1. The location in the body,
2. The extent of the thrombosis,
3. Whether it is superficial or deep,
4. Whether it is acute or chronic,
5. As well as other details that are identified and evaluated through an ultrasound of the veins.

Deep vein thrombosis is the most serious because through the deeper veins, the clot can travel to the lungs, causing a dangerous and life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism.

Varicose veins and primary venous insufficiency can increase the risk of thrombosis.

Thrombosis in healthy veins, on the other hand, leads to venous insufficiency by damaging the valves in the veins, which are essential for returning blood against gravity.

Risk factors for thrombosis include hereditary blood disorders like thrombophilia, a family history of thrombosis, fractures, surgeries (gynecological, laparoscopic, orthopedic), cancer, prolonged periods of sitting, bed rest for many days or long-term hospitalization, placement of dialysis catheters, pacemakers, defibrillators, simple venous catheters, smoking, contraceptive use, pregnancy, and the first weeks postpartum, autoimmune diseases, and other factors that will be discussed during your clinical examination. It doesn't necessarily mean that having one of these risk factors will lead to thrombosis, but heredity plays an important role.

If you've developed swelling (edema) in your arm or leg, a painful or warm and hard area, especially in the calf, or swelling and of the superficial veins, then there might be a case of thrombosis, and it would be a good idea to get examined.

Acute deep vein thrombosis can often present without any symptoms. However, if you suddenly experience shortness of breath, chest or back pain, coughing, rapid heartbeat, or quick breaths, medical diagnosis and investigation are needed to check for the presence of deep vein thrombosis, which may first present as symptoms of pulmonary embolism. While other conditions may be considered in differential diagnosis, pulmonary embolism from asymptomatic acute thrombosis should be considered. Call your doctor to get examined.

Can venous thrombosis be cured?

In patients who have already developed deep vein thrombosis, a condition called post-thrombotic syndrome can appear even years later.

This condition is characterized by chronic swelling, pain, skin discoloration, and, often, wounds that do not heal easily. These wounds can take weeks or months to heal and, in very severe cases, may never heal. These wounds are called venous ulcers and are mostly found internal part of the ankle.

Venous ulcers do not heal on their own. The more you neglect them, the worse they will get. Treatment usually involves appropriate antibiotic therapy, graduated compression stockings, pain management, wound care and cleaning, and managing other conditions that may hinder healing, such as poor arterial circulation, diabetes, or lymphedema.