In thrombosis, a blood clot forms in a vein and obstructs the return flow of blood to the heart. This is usually manifested by pain and swelling in the affected area. It is important to distinguish between the different types of thrombosis. This is because a blood clot can, in principle, develop in any blood vessel in the body and even in the heart – with different consequences.
Thrombosis in veins or arteries
If a blood clot forms in an artery, it is called arterial thrombosis, which is a common cause of heart attack or stroke. In venous thrombosis, a distinction is made between thrombosis of the superficial and deep veins.
Thrombosis of the superficial veins is also called phlebitis (thrombophlebitis) and often occurs in varicose veins or due to inflammation of venous catheters. The clot can enter the deep veins through connecting veins. In the following, deep vein thrombosis is meant when referring to thrombosis.
Thrombosis in the leg particularly common
Thrombosis is particularly common in the veins of the leg – but other vessels in the body can also be affected. Less common is thrombosis in the arm or pelvis. In principle, the symptoms are similar regardless of the area affected.
If the clot detaches from the vessel wall, a dangerous pulmonary embolism can result. Therefore, it is important to correctly interpret signs of venous thrombosis and seek medical attention quickly.
Symptoms not always clear
In thrombosis, a vein is partially or completely blocked by a blood clot. This results in a more or less pronounced blood stasis, which can be manifested by pulling pain as well as swelling and overheating.
However, it is not uncommon for the typical signs to be absent: Some patients experience only mild tenderness or discomfort resembling sore muscles. Also, classic “thrombosis signs” such as calf pain when putting on the foot or pain when pressure is applied to the sole of the foot are only observed in a proportion of cases.
In addition, the following symptoms may indicate thrombosis:
- Blue coloration of the skin (cyanosis).
- Visible, protruding veins on the skin
- Plump, shiny skin with a feeling of tension
- Pain when compressing the calf with both hands
- Fever
- Increase in heart rate
If thrombosis is suspected, see a doctor
If you notice symptoms in you that could indicate thrombosis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Especially after a long trip by car, bus, train or plane, it is important to pay close attention to possible signs of thrombosis. This is because sitting for long periods of time without adequate breaks for exercise increases the risk of developing thrombosis.
Make a diagnosis using ultrasound
If thrombosis is suspected, the physician first takes a medical history and asks the patient about various risk factors as well as symptoms. In conjunction with a physical examination and a blood test, he or she can then determine the likelihood of the presence of thrombosis.
The diagnosis is then confirmed by a so-called compression sonography. Here, the physician uses an ultrasound device to examine whether the vein can be compressed and whether the blood flow is impaired. In unclear cases, an X-ray with contrast medium (phlebography) is also performed, which usually allows thrombosis to be detected with certainty.
