Thrombus formation

A thrombus is a product of blood clotting. The body wants to react to injuries in this way, which can be referred to as a protective mechanism. Find the Thrombus formation however, instead of in a blood vessel, there is a risk of health problems that can be life-threatening. Those affected should contact a doctor as soon as possible.

What is thrombus formation?

When thrombi form, a blood clot is created. This consists of clotted blood, which causes the red platelets to stick together and form a clot.

Thrombus formation can take place in the most varied of body regions. However, veins are particularly often affected. Veins are the blood vessels that lead to the heart. The symptoms are particularly common in veins around the legs and pelvis. But thrombus formation is also possible near the heart or in the arm cavities.

If the lump develops in a heart vessel, doctors speak of a heart attack. The formation of thrombi in the arteries is much less common. In this case, the bond comes about in particular due to bacterial influence. A total of 90 to 130 people in every 100,000 people suffer from thrombus formation in a vein in the lower half of the body.

In addition, some risk factors that need to be considered are particularly important in thrombus formation. A blood clot can grow to dangerous proportions if it forms without an injury in the veins. The lump can clog blood vessels or lead to a pulmonary embolism. Therefore, the first signs should be examined by a doctor.

Function & task

The formation of thrombi is actually one of the body's protective mechanisms. Without the formation of blood clots, humans would not be able to survive longer. As soon as there is an external injury, for example a cut or a deep scratch, thrombus formation always occurs with the aim of closing the wound. This guarantees that the bleeding will stop and that no bacteria or other germs will enter. Instead, the cut can heal by regenerating the affected area of ​​skin.

This means that thrombus formation is basically of the greatest benefit and indispensable. As soon as there is an injury, the blood vessels narrow. In this way, the blood flow towards the wound is reduced so that too much blood does not leak out. Certain platelets found in the blood attach to the damaged blood vessel and create a plug that stops the bleeding.

The blood platelets are thrombocytes. The human organism is responsible for the release and transport of specific substances and substances. These fix the plug with proteins, which means that it sticks over the injury and forms a protective layer.

Coagulation factors are decisive for the process. A total of 13 different coagulation factors can be observed in human tissue. Most of it is made in the liver. In this way the existing wound is closed.

Without thrombus formation, people would lose an unnecessarily large amount of blood after every minor injury and suffer greater health consequences due to deeper cuts. This means that the formation of thrombi cannot in principle be characterized as harmful.

To counteract the negative consequences of thrombus formation, it helps to consciously prevent certain risk factors. These include, for example, abstaining from tobacco consumption and regular exercise. You should neither sit nor stand for long periods of time.

Illnesses & ailments

However, sometimes thrombi form without any injury. Then there is a blood clot that can lead to life-threatening blockages within blood vessels and must be treated within a very short time. Thrombi are noticeable, for example, due to poor blood circulation, a change in blood composition or because the blood's tendency to clot is increased. Another possibility is damage to a vessel wall. These three factors are also known as the Virchow triad.

The symptoms are often caused by the reduced blood flow within a vein. In the arteries, however, blood fat is deposited in the form of plaques. As soon as these open, the body may react by forming thrombi to counteract the damaged vessel wall. If the clot clogs a coronary artery, a heart attack occurs. Because the thrombus can loosen at any time and be washed away with the blood. If it encounters a constriction or something similar, the blood clot gets stuck and interrupts the flow of blood.

Within the brain, a thrombus can cause a stroke. Embolism is possible at the venous level. In this case, the blood clot is initially carried with the bloodstream. It enters the lungs through the right side of the heart and clogs one of the blood vessels.

Approximately every second patient who has a deep thrombosis also suffers from a pulmonary embolism. The intensity of this can vary. In the context of a pulmonary embolism, every second counts in medical care. Relatives, friends or relatives who can detect such a physical development should call an emergency doctor immediately.

As soon as the thrombus becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, there are also dangerous consequences. This can lead to blood poisoning. After all, the germs are generously distributed during circulation through the body. Treatment with antibiotics can help.