Arterial Thrombosis - An Overview

What Is Thrombosis?

Thrombosis is a serious condition in which a clot forms within a blood vessel (an artery or vein) in the body or, in rare cases, within the heart. This is risky because clots that form inside blood vessels can obstruct blood flow. They may also break free and travel elsewhere in the body, and if a clot becomes stuck in a critical area of the body, such as the lungs or brain, it can lead to life-threatening complications.

Blood clots can form in veins, most commonly in the legs or pelvis, known as deep vein thrombosis. Arterial thrombosis is very similar to deep vein thrombosis in that it affects the arteries rather than the veins. Arteries are larger blood vessels and carry more blood.

What Causes Arterial Thrombosis?

Arterial thrombosis typically affects people who have fatty deposits in their arteries. This is referred to as atherosclerosis. These deposits harden and narrow the arteries over time, increasing the risk of blood clots. The following factors can raise one's chances of developing arterial thrombosis:

• Aging.

• Smoking.

• An unhealthy diet.

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Lack of physical activities.

• Alcohol.

• Other health conditions include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

• Family history of atherosclerosis.

Additionally, conditions that make the blood more likely to clot, such as atrial fibrillation or antiphospholipid syndrome, can sometimes cause arterial thrombosis.

How Does COVID-19 Affect Arterial Thrombosis?

According to a 2021 study review, arterial thrombosis can occur in approximately four percent of COVID-19 patients who are critically ill. According to the study, people with arterial thrombosis and COVID-19 usually have symptoms. However, it can also affect multiple arteries at the same time. According to a 2020 study, this could be because of the following conditions, which can also develop in people who are critically ill with COVID-19:

• Reduced blood flow to the legs.

• Injury to the myocardium, a heart muscle.

• Hypercoagulability is when the blood clots more easily.

The study suggests that blood thinning medications be used in critically ill people with COVID-19 to reduce the risk of blood clots in the veins or arteries.

What Are The Symptoms Of Arterial Thrombosis?

The symptoms of arterial thrombosis vary depending on the site of the blood clot. Some thrombosis symptoms include:

• Pain in one leg.

• Swollen leg or arm.

• Chest pain.

• Numbness on one side of the body.

• Weakness on one side of the body.

• Mental changes.

Many people, however, will have no symptoms of a blood clot in their artery until it has caused further complications by blocking blood flow to parts of the body.

What Are The Complications Of Arterial Thrombosis?

A blood clot can cause several serious complications, including:

• A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly cut off, resulting in chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

• A stroke may occur when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted; the main symptoms include one side of the face dropping, weakness on one side of the body, and slurred speech.

• A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), also known as a "mini-stroke," occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, resulting in brief stroke symptoms.

• Critical limb ischemia (a complication of peripheral arterial disease) occurs when the blood supply to a limb is cut off, resulting in pain, discoloration (pale or blue), and coldness.

All of these conditions are medical emergencies.

How Is Arterial Thrombosis Diagnosed?

A person should inform the doctor of their complete medical history. They should also notify the doctor if they suspect a blood clot or if they have risk factors for developing blood clots. The doctor will physically examine the patient to analyze their symptoms. For example, if the doctor suspects a heart attack, they may order a blood test to look for a protein known as troponin. Doctors usually recommend imaging studies to check the arteries to detect a clot. Because a clot can alter the sound of the arteries, they may use ultrasound.

Electrocardiograms, which help measure the heart's electrical activity, may also reveal a blockage in blood flow.

In some cases, a doctor may advise more invasive procedures, such as an angiogram. An angiogram is a blood vessel X-ray that includes a catheter threaded through an artery in a person's thigh, arm, or groin.

How Is Arterial Thrombosis Treated?

To treat arterial thrombosis, doctors may recommend the following measures:

• Blood Thinners:

The doctor may prescribe blood thinners to help dissolve the clots. In the first stage of treatment, they may administer thrombolytics to the patient. Thrombolytics are a class of more potent blood thinners that can dissolve a clot faster but may also result in dangerous bleeding. Some people may need to continue taking these medications to lower their chances of developing another clot. However, these medications may be ineffective for people about to give birth or have surgery. In addition, if the person has atherosclerosis, a stroke, or a heart attack, they may need to be treated for the rest of their lives.

• Surgery:

Coronary artery bypass and carotid endarterectomy are two types of surgery used to treat arterial thrombosis that has blocked an artery leading to the heart. During coronary artery bypass surgery, surgeons use a blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass the blockage. And during carotid endarterectomy, surgeons remove fatty deposits in the neck arteries that could lead to a stroke. Doctors may also recommend a non-invasive interventional procedure known as coronary angioplasty. To widen the artery, surgeons may insert a stent or balloon.

• Addressing The Cause: It is also essential to address the underlying cause of blood clots. According to a 2016 study, a blood clot could be a cancer symptom in people without any risk factors.

• Behavioral Modifications: Others may require behavioral or dietary changes to reduce plaque in their arteries.

When blood clots cause complications, a person may require additional care.

When To Contact A Doctor?

If a person has a history of clots and develops new clot symptoms, they should immediately see a doctor. If a person has the following symptoms, they should go to the emergency room:

• Chest discomfort.

• Breathing difficulty.

• Symptoms of a stroke include numbness on one side of the body.

Conclusion:

Arterial thrombosis refers to the formation of blood clots in an artery. It is associated with pain, weakness, swelling, and numbness of the affected site. However, treatment, behavioral modifications, following the doctor’s instructions, taking medications exactly as directed, and periodic checkups can help people improve their outlook and have a better prognosis.