Thrombosis
DEFINITION
Thrombosis is the name given to the formation of a blood clot
within a blood vessel – both veins and arteries. This condition is
a common ailment and is potentially fatal.
within a blood vessel – both veins and arteries. This condition is
a common ailment and is potentially fatal.
DESCRIPTION
There are three main types of thrombosis:
Arterial thrombosis
This is the name given to a clot travelling in the arteries,
blood vessels which carry blood away from the heart. A clot in the
arterial system may not always cause obvious symptoms. Pieces of
this clot, called emboli, can break off and circulate around the
body. As the clot travels further into the arterial system the
vessels become smaller, increasing the chance that the clot will
plug a vessel. This blocks normal blood flow to the tissues beyond
the ‘plug’ and may cause serious damage because oxygen cannot reach
the cells.
blood vessels which carry blood away from the heart. A clot in the
arterial system may not always cause obvious symptoms. Pieces of
this clot, called emboli, can break off and circulate around the
body. As the clot travels further into the arterial system the
vessels become smaller, increasing the chance that the clot will
plug a vessel. This blocks normal blood flow to the tissues beyond
the ‘plug’ and may cause serious damage because oxygen cannot reach
the cells.
Venous thrombosis
Venous thrombosis commonly occurs in the larger veins –
vessels which carry blood towards the heart. Immobility is an
important factor in venous thrombosis because venous blood flow
depends on muscle movement to pump it against gravity. Slow flowing
blood is more likely to form clots. Other risk factors for venous
thrombosis include pregnancy, diabetes, smoking, the pill, old age,
surgery and obesity.
vessels which carry blood towards the heart. Immobility is an
important factor in venous thrombosis because venous blood flow
depends on muscle movement to pump it against gravity. Slow flowing
blood is more likely to form clots. Other risk factors for venous
thrombosis include pregnancy, diabetes, smoking, the pill, old age,
surgery and obesity.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the most common type of venous
thromboses. DVT occurs in the deep veins of the legs causing pain,
redness and swelling in the leg. Like arterial thromboses, venous
thromboses can break apart, forming emboli which can become lodged
in the vessels of the heart or lungs.
thromboses. DVT occurs in the deep veins of the legs causing pain,
redness and swelling in the leg. Like arterial thromboses, venous
thromboses can break apart, forming emboli which can become lodged
in the vessels of the heart or lungs.
Post-thrombotic syndrome
Approximately 60 per cent of patients who have experienced an
episode of deep-vein thrombosis will develop post-thrombotic
syndrome within two years. Post-thrombotic syndrome varies from
mild fluid retention to severe swelling of the limbs with pain and
ulceration. A recent scientifically controlled study has revealed
that the risk of developing post-thrombotic syndrome was reduced by
50 per cent in patients wearing a sized-to-fit compression
stocking.
episode of deep-vein thrombosis will develop post-thrombotic
syndrome within two years. Post-thrombotic syndrome varies from
mild fluid retention to severe swelling of the limbs with pain and
ulceration. A recent scientifically controlled study has revealed
that the risk of developing post-thrombotic syndrome was reduced by
50 per cent in patients wearing a sized-to-fit compression
stocking.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all medical conditions, your Doctor should be
consulted for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options will vary
depending on the type of thrombosis you have. Your Doctor, for
example, may prescribe anticoagulant medication to prevent clots
from getting bigger or reduce your risk of developing additional
clots. The use of anticoagulant medication must be closely
monitored for side effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding.
Your Doctor will discuss all diagnostic and treatment options with
you.
consulted for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options will vary
depending on the type of thrombosis you have. Your Doctor, for
example, may prescribe anticoagulant medication to prevent clots
from getting bigger or reduce your risk of developing additional
clots. The use of anticoagulant medication must be closely
monitored for side effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding.
Your Doctor will discuss all diagnostic and treatment options with
you.
DIET HINTS
- Eat a variety of nutritious foods, including wholegrains,
fruit, vegetables, lean meat, beans and low fat dairy
products. - Avoid foods with a high saturated fat content, including animal
fats, full-fat dairy products (cream, cheeses and milk) and most
processed (pastries, cakes, biscuits etc.) and take away
foods. - Cold water fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines are an
excellent source of essential fatty acids. Omega-3 essential fatty
acids are part of a comprehensive nutritional approach to healthy
blood vessels. A major effect of omega 3 fatty acids is to reduce
the triglyceride levels in the blood and prevent platelets (blood
cells responsible for clotting) from clumping together. - Vitamin E has some antithrombotic and antioxidant properties
which helps maintain the health of red blood cells. Good sources of
Vitamin E include; wheatgerm and wheatgerm oil, eggs, organ meats,
sweet potatoes and leafy vegetables.
SUPPLEMENTS AND HERBS
- Garlic and ginger thin the blood. The recommended dose of
garlic is the equivalent of one garlic clove per day. - The herbs ginkgo biloba and cat’s claw may help reduce the
stickiness of the blood. - Flavonoids, such as those found in grape seed extract, tea,
grape skins, red wine and berry fruits may help reduce the risk of
blood clots. - Essential fatty acids (found in certain fish and cold pressed
vegetable oils) can reduce blood stickiness by modifying levels of
chemicals called prostaglandins.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
- Look at ways you can improve the health of your heart and blood
vessels through exercise and diet. Your healthcare professional can
offer guidance and support as you move towards a healthier
lifestyle. - Regular physical activity is vitally important to maintain
healthy circulation. Walking, gardening, dancing or stretching are
all gentle ways to introduce regular exercise into your life. - Some experts recommend that anyone with a higher risk of
thrombosis should have one low-dose aspirin tablet a day, to help
keep the blood thin. Talk to your pharmacist for more information.
Note: aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a doctor. Aspirin should be avoided in children
if they are feverish - Ask your pharmacist for advice about compression stockings,
which may help to reduce the risk of developing post-thrombotic
syndrome.Stop smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for the
development of thrombosis. Ask your pharmacist for advice on
quitting.
CAUTIONS
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a doctor. Aspirin should be avoided in children
if they are feverish.
unless specified by a doctor. Aspirin should be avoided in children
if they are feverish.