He had a blood clot. This is often heard statement today. Nothing manifests itself until they move and fall into the heart, pulmonary artery or brain vessel. Why do blood clots develop? Can I find them? How to prevent thrombosis and sudden death from a blood clot?
What is thrombosis, how is it formed and what does it consist of? It is a clot of blood cells (platelets) that forms in blood vessels. The vascular network is divided into arteries and veins. Therefore, thrombi are also arterial (appearing against the background of coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus) and venous (with varicose veins, limb injuries, gynecological diseases in women, pelvic organs tumors).
And why the blood thickens? In general, the process of formation of thrombosis is as follows: first, excess cholesterol is deposited on the walls of the vessels, a cholesteric "plaque" appears, which eventually begins to narrow the lumen of the vessel. Then the hydrodynamic conditions for the appearance of thrombi are formed. But the person does not feel this, and therefore does not suspect about the terrible danger of his life. The most important reason is spontaneous blood flow, which causes thickening of the blood, changes in the vascular walls, in the end, the thrombosis development. For example, vein thrombosis on the legs is very common. As statistics show, most often it happens in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle - the blood stagnates, the veins swell, there are varicose veins and thrombosis. Smoking causes spasms of blood vessels, as a result of which the blood also begins to thicken. It is often a symptom of a certain disease - for example, in people with a heart rhythm disorder, in postoperative patients and the like.
Against the background of physical exertion (often even moderate, for example, such as running at an easy pace), the thrombus can break off, and then it carries with blood to the target organ. It can be the heart and then a heart attack develops, if the thrombus gets into the brain - a person has a stroke. The clot can stop in the pulmonary artery. Each of these scenarios threatens an instant death.
How can I tell if there is a blood clot? People with varicose veins can see it even from the outside. These are nodules that are quite painful when pressed, often inflamed. However, thrombosis can form in deep veins, and a person does not even know about them. Unless there is a sensation of heaviness in the legs, edema appears. Then it is worth checking the veins with ultrasound. First of all, at least once a year, you have to undergo a laboratory examination to determine the level of cholesterol (according to our standards it should be less than 5.2, for European standards - less than 5.0 millimoles per liter) and prothrombin index (80-100%). If the results exceed the norm, this indicates an increased risk of thrombosis. And since the main risk factor is the increased coagulability of the blood, a coagulogram is performed (to determine the time of blood coagulation).
What preventive measures? The more you move, the better the blood circulation. This reduces the risk of thrombosis. In addition, remember: in the diet should be the main products of plant origin, in one day you must drink at least 2 liters of clean water, walk daily. But to choose drugs for dilution of blood, insuring against thrombosis, at their own discretion is dangerous. Pay attention to food. If a person eats up in the evening and goes to bed, her blood becomes dense (there is no movement - there is no necessary metabolism). Therefore, in the afternoon, especially for dinner, eat light meals - vegetables, dishes from cottage cheese, yogurt. Very important motor modes - walk more, swim. By the way a very important is emotional state. After all, it is proved that during stress in the vascular channel adrenaline is released, which, in particular, promotes blood clotting. That's why people who often experience stress are nervous, irritable, and unhappy, heart disease is more often.
Thrombosis treatment is performed conservatively. Anticoagulants are used - a drug that prevents the formation of thrombi (heparin), and prevents the formed clots from increasing. Usually it is prescribed for 5-7 days, after which anticoagulants are prescribed in Warfarin tablets for 6 months. However, anticoagulants can cause bleeding. During the reception of anticoagulant time, follow the blood test. There are a lot of medications patients should always have in a personal first-aid kit. And even if you travel a lot you can buy them everywhere, for example, Italy online pharmacy or in other country. With the development of septic complications, therapy is supplemented with antibiotics. In the case of developing mesenteric thrombosis, surgical treatment is the main type of care. The patient is prepared with a medicamentous correction of the circulatory processes, carries out the necessary diagnostic methods. The operation excludes the site of the necrotic intestine, the embolus is removed, and the bypass circulation is formed. After the operation, long-term medication is prescribed. Measures to prevent vein thrombosis include the elimination of hypodynamia, the observance of a diet that involves reducing fatty foods, limiting the use of carbohydrates. In the case of varicose veins of the lower extremities, it is necessary to wear compression means. It is useful to systematically pour cold water on feet, contrast shower, moderate exercise.
