Thrombosis is an emergency because the clot can migrate and be life-threatening.
Thrombosis is an often overlooked condition that is an urgent and growing health problem. It is the presence of a blood clot in a vein. Blood clots can form in or travel to blood vessels in the arms or legs (most common), lungs, brain, heart, and other organs.There are 100,000 cases of thrombosis per year in France, of which 15,000 are complicated by pulmonary embolism and 2% are lead to death” reminds us Dr. Ariel Toledano, vascular physician. Thrombosis can affect the superficial venous network or the deep venous network. To avoid the risk of complications, Dr. Toledano reminds us of the symptoms of thrombosis.
- Intense, localized pain: this is the first and most significant symptom of venous thrombosis in the lower limbs (thigh, calf).It is a localized, unilateral and intense pain. It cannot be relieved, neither by rest nor by taking medication. The pain is generally so strong that it requires rapid consultation” notes Dr. Toledano. “The unilaterality of the pain, that is to say if it only affects one leg, is a sign in favor of thrombosis. Conversely, if the pain affects both legs, we will rather turn towards a syndrome of heavy legs linked to venous insufficiency.” notes the vascular doctor. Moreover “if the thrombosis is located in the upper part of the lower limbs, rather at the level of the thigh, the clot can move up and cause iliac pain (but this is rare)“.
- Associated with the pain, there is generally swelling of the volume of the affected limb (ankle or foot for example), with edema.
- “In some cases, the patient feels a sensation of heat in the leg” adds our expert.
- Finally, we can observe manifestations on the skin with veins that become visible on the surface of the skin. The latter will also take on a slightly red appearance.
What are the symptoms of thrombosis in the arm?
“Venous thrombosis in the arm is much rarer than that which affects the lower limbs but the symptoms are similar” says Dr. Toledano.
What are the symptoms of a lung clot?
The main signs and symptoms of a blood clot in the lung or pulmonary embolism may include unexplained shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and/or lightheadedness or fainting.
Symptoms of thrombosis appear as soon as the clot is present. They can worsen without treatment and become complicated up to pulmonary embolism. “10% of varicose veins can develop into thrombosis. It is therefore important to deal with them upstream” concludes the vascular doctor.