8 Ways To Avoid Thrombosis

You have probably heard of thrombosis, but if you are not aware of this condition, it is important to know that there are important habits to prevent it.

First, it should be understood that Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), popularly known only as thrombosis, occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more large veins, usually the lower limbs (thighs and legs), causing partial or partial obstruction. total flow in the affected vein.

Yolanda Schrank, an endocrinologist at Bronstein Diagnostic Medicine, points out that the development of thrombosis is related to decreased circulation velocity (venous stasis), increased blood viscosity (hypercoagulability) and changes in vein integrity.

The case gets worse when a clot comes off and moves in the bloodstream (a process called embolism). An embolism may get stuck in the brain, lungs, heart, or other area, leading to serious injury.

"The greatest risk of thrombosis is when a fragment comes off (plunger) and moves through the bloodstream, migrating to the lungs and causing pulmonary embolism, which is highly lethal," Yolanda said.

8 ways to prevent thrombosis

Taking into account the risk factors for thrombosis, Yolanda cites the main measures that can help prevent it:

1. Practice exercise regularly.
2. Avoid sitting too long without moving.
3. Avoid smoking.
4. Avoid alcohol consumption (associated with smoking and contraceptive use).
5. Keep a balanced diet.
6. Try to maintain weight.
7. Patients with a history of varicose veins and a previous history of thrombosis should be advised to wear compression stockings.
8. Patients who work or remain long standing or sitting should also be advised to wear compression stockings.

Below you know the main risk factors for thrombosis, exactly to know how you can prevent this problem.

Risk factors for thrombosis

Yolanda highlights as the main risk factors:

Heredity: Some families have an inherited disorder that facilitates blood coagulation (hypercoagulability), which favors thrombosis, especially in the presence of another risk factor.

Immobility: in the context of bedridden patients, prolonged hospitalizations and long trips.

Varicose veins: patients with dilated veins (varicose veins), especially the deep venous system.

Age: Patients over 60 years of age have a higher risk of thrombosis.

Smoking: increases hypercoagulability (increased blood viscosity).

Obesity: Excess weight and fat accumulation exert pressure on the veins, making it difficult for blood to pass, especially in the vessels of the lower limbs.

Alcohol, smoking and birth control

According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), young people who smoke and use contraceptives are 10 times more likely to have a heart attack and pulmonary embolism than other non-smokers in the same age group who use the same drug.

This group is also at higher risk for circulatory system disease, increasing the chances of coronary heart disease by 39% and by 22% of stroke.

"The pill and nicotine increase the risk of blood coagulation within the veins by up to 10 times, favoring the formation of thrombi, which can displace, causing various problems, including pulmonary embolism, serious and potentially fatal pathology", explains endocrinologist Yolanda Schrank.

The doctor also explains that alcohol consumption is harmful to liver cells, which is precisely the organ in which the pill is metabolized. "This combination of alcohol, cigarette and pill is always bad because it involves toxic substances in the body, especially lung and liver, and increases the risk of thrombosis," explains Yolanda. "In addition, it can slow contraceptive absorption, thereby decreasing its effectiveness," he adds.

Thrombosis Symptoms

Yolanda explains that thrombosis can be completely asymptomatic, which is what happens in many cases. Or, symptoms such as pain, swelling and increased temperature in the legs.

The symptoms of thrombosis may resemble those of other illnesses or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis? The endocrinologist advises.

Thrombosis Diagnosis

In consultation with the doctor you are likely to hear some questions such as:

• Do you have leg pain? How often?
• What is the intensity of the pain?
• Did you take any action that improved or worsened your symptoms?
• Has anyone in your family ever had thrombosis or a problem with blood clotting?

The doctor should also perform a physical exam. But these methods may not be sufficient to make the diagnosis and exams are likely to be requested.

Thrombosis Treatment

Yolanda explains that drugs to reduce blood viscosity are used to treat thrombosis. "These drugs, however, should only be used by prescription after careful evaluation, since there is a risk of hemorrhagic phenomena," he says.

You now have the key information on thrombosis and, above all, know that there are ways to prevent this problem. When in doubt, always consult a doctor you trust.

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