Deadly clots: know and avoid the risk of thrombosis
Thrombosis can affect anyone: whether on long journeys, after an operation or due to prolonged sitting. Doctor Solveig Haw knows which symptoms to look out for and which preventive measures are useful. She explains how effective vascular protection works and how it can be easily integrated into everyday life.
What is thrombosis?
In a thrombosis, a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a blood vessel, usually in the deep veins of the leg. There it obstructs or blocks the blood flow. The danger of thrombosis is often underestimated. This is because: «The clot can damage the blood vessels or, if it breaks loose and travels upwards in the body, can even trigger a life-threatening pulmonary embolism,» warns Solveig Haw, doctor and health expert at DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG.
Who is at risk?
Risk factors include lack of exercise, for example after an operation, older age, obesity, smoking, hereditary coagulation disorders or hormone therapies such as the pill. According to the so-called Virchow triad, there are three main factors that promote thrombosis: damage or changes to the vessel wall, slower blood flow, for example due to prolonged sitting or lying down, and an increased tendency of the blood to clot. «Anyone who has already had a thrombosis is particularly at risk of developing it again,» adds Haw.
Recognize warning signals
Many sufferers do not take the symptoms of thrombosis seriously at first or are unable to classify them. «Swelling, red-purple skin discoloration or a feeling of tension in the calf are typical,» explains the DKV health expert. The affected leg often feels warmer than the other, and there may also be bluish skin discoloration or tenderness and pain when walking. In such cases, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. «The earlier a thrombosis is detected, the better it can be treated,» says Haw.
This keeps the blood flowing
The best protection against thrombosis is physical activity. It doesn't have to be sweaty workouts, small exercises in between make a difference. „At your desk, for example, simple movements such as rocking your feet, circling your toes or tensing your calf muscles can help,» says Haw. If you sit for long periods of time, you should stand up every now and then and stretch your legs. Drinking the right amount is also important. This is because water improves blood flow. At least 1.5 to two liters a day are recommended. Compression stockings can be a useful addition, for example if someone is not yet mobile again after an operation or during a long flight. Thrombosis stockings support the veins in transporting the blood back to the heart and can thus prevent it from building up in the legs. «Compression stockings are not a sign of age or weakness, but a clever protective mechanism for the blood vessels,» says Haw.
Pulmonary embolism: when the thrombus travels to the lungs
Pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening complication of thrombosis. Its severity ranges from mild, circulatory stable courses, which can sometimes be chronic, to dangerous acute situations with shock and circulatory failure. Blood clots can be washed into the lungs through one or more pulmonary arteries, where they then block blood vessels and prevent oxygen uptake. Sudden shortness of breath is the most common warning sign. Many sufferers also report stabbing chest pains that get worse when breathing. «If you experience these symptoms, call an ambulance immediately, because every minute counts,» says Solveig Haw.
