Thrombosis in the eye

A thrombosis in the eye is also possible. In this case, the thrombus forms in a vein that supplies the retina and therefore leads to impaired vision. A quick therapy is important in order to be able to reverse the possible damage.

Thrombosis in pregnancy

During pregnancy the risk of thrombosis is increased. This is due to the altered hormone balance of the woman but also to the pressure the child exerts on the maternal vessels. Heredity also plays a role. For example, if the mother or grandmother of the pregnant woman already had a thrombosis, the risk of thrombosis during pregnancy is increased. To avoid thrombosis, support stockings and regular exercise are helpful.

Thrombosis in the leg

Venous thromboses are most often located in the leg. In some cases, the thrombus may rise up into the inferior vena cava. Due to the course of the venous vessels in the leg, the left leg is also more frequently affected.

The development of thromboses in the leg is influenced by a slowing down of the blood flow, a changed composition of the blood, and damage to the vascular walls. The development of thrombosis in the leg is favoured by numerous risk factors, such as Venous thrombosis manifests itself in swelling, a blue discoloration and muscle soreness in the affected leg. In addition, there is overheating and a feeling of tension in the affected leg.

Also characteristic are pain when pressure is applied to the calf (Meyer’s sign) and when the foot is stretched (Homans sign), as well as pain when pressure is applied to the sole of the foot (Payr sign). The diagnosis of venous thrombosis in the leg is made on the basis of the typical symptoms and a Doppler sonography, a special ultrasound examination of the leg veins. Venous thrombosis of the leg should always be treated, as the thrombus in the leg can become loose and be washed into the lungs.

This is known as pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication of thrombosis in the leg. Blood-thinning drugs such as heparin or rivaroxaban and physical measures such as compression treatment with stockings are used to treat thromboses in the leg. Furthermore, the affected leg should be moved, bed rest and protection of the affected leg are only recommended in the case of severe pain. Depending on the risk, these measures are also used to prevent a new thrombosis in the leg.

About 50 percent of venous thromboses in the leg affect the femoral vein, the femoral vein.
About 20 percent each fall on the knee vein, the popliteal vein and various lower leg veins.
The last 10 percent concern the pelvic vein, the vena iliaca.
Female sex
Smoking or
Overweight