Thromboembolism - Symptoms, Types, Causes, Complications & Prevention
Thromboembolism is a vascular disorder characterised by obstruction of blood vessels (arteries or veins) due to the formation of an embolus (movement of blood clot from one place to another place), which originates from a blood clot (thrombus). Based on the location of blood clot formation, they are classified into venous thromboembolism (which occurs in veins) or arterial thromboembolism (which arises in arteries). Haematologists lead the healthcare team which diagnoses and treats thromboembolic disorders.
Types of thromboembolism
While there are various types of thromboembolism derived from the location of a blood clot, the major types of thromboembolic disorders include:
Venous Thromboembolism Deep Venous Thrombosis Pulmonary thromboembolism Arterial Thromboembolism Ischemic Stroke Myocardial infarction Other thromboembolism Systemic thromboembolism Cerebral thromboembolism Coronary thromboembolism Massive thromboembolism Thromboembolism in spleen Thromboembolism after muscle injury Thromboembolic coagulopathy Cancer-associated thromboembolism Postpartum thromboembolism Thromboembolic renal disease
Venous thromboembolism :
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to the formation of blood clots in the veins. This is a gradually developing disorder which is often underdiagnosed but can have serious consequences, such as disability and death. Nevertheless, it is a preventable medical condition if diagnosed accurately and early.
Deep vein thrombosis:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT or venous thrombosis) is a medical condition referring to blood clot formation in the veins where the thrombus formation could occur due to either injured veins or the blood's hypercoagulability (increased coagulation affinity). Usually found in the lower extremities, such as the lower leg, thigh, etc. Deep vein thrombosis could cause partial or complete blockage to the blood flow to the respective organs.
Pulmonary thromboembolism:
This is also known as pulmonary embolism, a medical condition that disrupts (blocks) the pulmonary arterial blood flow due to the embolus either in the pulmonary artery or its branches. Here, the thrombus is formed elsewhere in the circulatory system but gets detached and passes through the pulmonary artery or its capillaries.
The combination of disrupted pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis is collectively called venous thromboembolism (VTE). Pulmonary emboli originate from deep venous thrombus and are responsible for the most common form of pulmonary thromboembolic disease. Based on the severity of the disease, the pulmonary embolism is of two types:
Acute pulmonary embolism: In acute embolism, the increased diameter of the pulmonary artery is observed. Chronic pulmonary embolism: In chronic embolism, narrowing of distal blood vessels is observed.
Thromboembolic disease causes :
The thromboembolism depends on the formation of thrombus or blood clot in arteries or veins.
Etiology of venous thromboembolism (venous thromboembolism causes) Injury of the deep vein leads to the formation of a blood clot. Limited movement in physical activity, so there is a deficient supply of blood circulation in blood vessels, leads to the formation of a blood clot. Heavy usage of oestrogen leads to the formation of a blood clot.
Etiology of arterial thromboembolism (arterial thromboembolism causes)
Increased age Smoking Increased fibrinogen levels
Thromboembolic disease symptoms :
Thromboembolic disorder's signs and symptoms may vary depending upon thrombus formation in the venous and arteries.
Venous thromboembolism Symptoms
The following are the venous thromboembolic disease symptoms.
Tenderness along the veins: Tenderness along the veins, which are sensitive to touch Aching pain: An unpleasant sensitised pain and emotional experience associated with potential tissue damage Swelling occurs whenever the organs, skin, or other parts of your body enlarge. It leads to inflammation or a buildup of fluid. Swelling can occur internally, or it can affect your outer skin and muscles.
Thromboembolic complications :
Thromboembolic complications are serious medical conditions that occur when a blood clot breaks off from its original location and travels through the bloodstream to another part of the body, where it can block blood flow and cause damage. These complications can be life-threatening and require prompt medical attention.
Thromboembolic aneurysm: Thromboembolism rarely occurs in large aneurysms where decreased blood flow within the aneurysm leads to blood clots, which are considered thromboembolic aneurysms.
Pulmonary venous thromboembolism: This is a rare form of venous thromboembolism complications, that is observed in veins of the pulmonary blood vessels. The pulmonary veins are the most common source of arterial thromboembolism. Pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but potentially lethal disease which could occur due to the direct extension of the tumour into the vein, thus compressing the vein and causing epithelial damage and a hypercoagulable state.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH): Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is one of the complications of venous thromboembolic disease; specifically, CTEPH, due to pulmonary embolism, is a significant cause of chronic pulmonary hypertension, leading to right heart failure and death.
PACE Hospitals: Your Partner in Clot Care:
Our team of expert vascular surgeons, cardiologists, and hematologists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for thromboembolism patients. We offer advanced diagnostic tools, minimally invasive treatment options, and personalized rehabilitation programs to ensure optimal recovery and prevent future clots. Remember, thromboembolism is a serious condition, but with knowledge and prompt action, you can overcome the clot challenge. Choose PACE Hospitals as your partner in proactive prevention and compassionate care. Together, let's keep the blood flowing freely and your health blooming!
