A thrombus is a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel. It is also sometimes referred to as a “clot.” A thrombus can form in any part of the circulatory system, including the heart, veins, and arteries.
Thrombi can form in response to injury, trauma or inflammation of the blood vessels. They can also form due to certain medical conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is a clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs, and can be caused by immobility, surgery, or certain medical conditions.
A thrombus can be dangerous because it can block the flow of blood through the affected vessel. If a thrombus forms in an artery, it can restrict or block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and tissues that the artery supplies. This can lead to serious complications, such as a heart attack or stroke. If a thrombus forms in a vein, it can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected limb.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors for thrombus formation, including:
- Age: As you get older, your risk of developing a thrombus increases.
- Family history: If someone in your family has had a thrombus or thrombophilia (a disorder that increases the risk of thrombus formation), your risk of developing a thrombus is increased.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and obesity, can increase the risk of thrombus formation.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of thrombus formation.
- Surgery or immobility: Surgery or a period of immobility can also increase the risk of thrombus formation.
Treatment for thrombus typically involves the use of anticoagulant medications, such as heparin or warfarin, to prevent further clotting and to help dissolve existing clots. In some cases, thrombolytic therapy, which uses medications to dissolve clots, may be used.