Thrombosis

Thrombosis happens when you have blood clots that stop blood from flowing normally.

Blood clots rarely happen for one reason. You are at increased risk of developing thrombosis if you:

• are admitted to hospital (your risk of developing thrombosis is higher for 90 days after you are discharged too)
• have active cancer or if you are receiving cancer treatment
• are pregnant or have had a baby less than 6 weeks ago
• are immobile (for example, you have spent more than 3 days in bed, you have been travelling non-stop for more than 6 hours, or your leg is in a cast)

Your risk of developing thrombosis may increase even more if you:

• have a medical history or family history of blood clots
• have had surgery in the last 90 days
• have thrombophilia (tendency to clot)
• take HRT or the contraceptive pill
• have heart, lung or inflammatory disease
• are 60 years of age or older
• live with overweight or obesity
• have varicose veins that become red or sore

Blood clots can happen to anyone at any age.

To find out who is at risk and who needs preventative measures, healthcare professionals should carry out a VTE risk assessment on all patients who attend hospital in Ireland.

If you are going into hospital, it is important to ask for a VTE risk assessment. This will help you to understand your risk and ensure steps are put in place to help reduce your risk during your stay.

You or your doctor cannot know the level of your risk of blood clot if you are not risk assessed.

Thrombosis

Symptoms of thrombosis can depend on the location of your blood clot and how big it is.

In general, symptoms of a blood clot include:

• swelling or pain in the leg or arm
• warmth or redness in the leg or arm
• shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• chest pain (particularly when breathing deeply)
• coughing or coughing up blood
• severe headache that won’t go away

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you may have a clot and need urgent treatment.

Deep Vein Thrombosis is a condition that occurs when blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the leg or arm. Sometimes there are no symptoms and a DVT is only diagnosed if a complication occurs. Symptoms may include:

• swelling of one leg or arm (usually the full leg in pregnancy)
• pain in one leg or arm, which may be worse when standing, walking or using your arm
• warmth or redness in one leg or arm

If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of a DVT, it is very important that you call your doctor immediately or present to the nearest Emergency Department

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a sudden blockage in a lung artery. The blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that travels to the lung from a vein in the leg.

Sometimes there are no symptoms of PE, but many people may feel some or all of these symptoms. They include:

• sudden unexplained breathlessness or rapid breathing
• chest pain (particularly if sharp and may be worse when breathing deeply)
• coughing or coughing up blood

If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of a PE, it is very important that you immediately, dial 999 or 112 or present to the nearest Emergency Department.

When it comes to thrombosis, it is crucial that everyone knows:

• their risk
• the signs to look out for
• the need to seek medical attention fast

Thrombosis

You may have the following tests to diagnose a DVT:

• D-dimer blood test – This is a blood test used to rule out blood clots in combination with a risk score
• ultrasound of the affected limb

You may have the following tests to diagnose a PE:

• chest x-ray
• lung scan (VQ scan)
• CT or spiral CT scan
• pulmonary angiogram
• D-dimer blood test – used to rule out blood clots in combination with a risk score

If your blood clot is diagnosed quickly, there are effective treatments to deal with them. So if you are at risk or you have symptoms, make sure to take the tests your need for diagnosis.

Thrombosis

Treatment for thrombosis will depend on how big your clot is, where it is located and the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Treatments can include:

• Medication – You may be given anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicine or thrombolytic medicine. Treatment with anticoagulant medication usually lasts for at least 3 months or longer, depending on your risk factors. Thrombolytic medicine helps to dissolve clots. If you are pregnant and develop DVT, you may need injections of a blood thinning drug called heparin.
• Thrombectomy – This is a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot from a blood vessel. During this procedure your surgeon may place a catheter or stent in your blood vessel, widening it and stopping it from closing.
• Compression stockings – You may be advised to wear medical compression stockings to compress the veins in your legs. Sometimes, these stockings can help to reduce symptoms of post thrombotic syndrome (PTS), a complication of DVT. It is important that you are measured for stockings by a professional to make sure they fit properly.

When DVT or PE is diagnosed and treated, the outcomes are usually good. Taking any medication as prescribed and attending medical appointments as scheduled can ensure that many people diagnosed with blood clots can live normal lives and participate in normal activities.

Thrombosis

Half of thrombosis cases are potentially preventable, reducing the risk of death and disability for thousands of people. There are also effective treatments that can deal with blood clots if they are diagnosed quickly.

Blood clots can be very serious but there are preventative measures that can be taken. If you have had a blood clot, it is important to take steps to prevent another one. Prevention may include:

• Exercise – Staying physically active is an effective way to reduce your risk of developing another clot. Consistent, gentle movement will help to keep your circulation active. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise is best for you. Your doctor will also be able to advise on any specific exercises or stretches you should do.
• Medication
• Compression stockings
• Following a heart-healthy lifestyle

Thrombosis

The Irish Heart Foundation has a range of free supports and services for people affected by thrombosis, heart disease or stroke. These supports and services are designed to help people manage their conditions and support mental health and coping skills.

We are here to help with professional counselling and emotional support programmes, our nurse support line, information events and our online community.

For more information on these supports for you and your family, visit our support page.

Nurse Support Line – our expert nurses are here to help you, Mondays 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday 9am to 1pm.  For your questions about thrombosis, heart conditions, stroke and living a healthy lifestyle.  Phone 01 6685001 or Email: support@irishheart.ie

Real life stories page – read stories from those affected by thrombosis, heart conditions and stroke.

Thrombosis

The following resources provide more information about thrombosis.

Looking to learn more about blood clots?

A blood clot is also called Venous Thromboembolism or VTE.

These video playlists contain a range of educational videos for both patients and health care professionals. They are designed to increase awareness and understanding of blood clots, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient information.
Whether you are seeking educational information, best practice guidance, or patient-focused resources, these links are a great place to start.

https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/information-healthcare-workers/cdi-publications/nvtep/#videos

Both playlists complement each other and are recommended viewing for anyone seeking a better understanding of blood clots – signs, risks and treaments.

More Resources:

Blood clots after pregnancy and birth

Deep vein thrombosis

Cancer and clots: The risk is real (cancer associated thrombosis)

Exercise after a blood clot

Living with uncertainty and fear of recurrence after a clot

Look after your mind: Psychological aspects of recovery after a blood clot

Pulmonary embolism

Direct oral anticoagulant medication

Warfarin

Blood clot alert card

HSE thrombosis resources