Understanding Thrombosis

Venous and arterial thrombosis: a major global health concern

From public health scares about the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long-distance flights to high rates of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients recovering from major surgery, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well-publicised, serious health issue.^{1, 2}
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Patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery for total hip or total knee replacement or surgery for fracture of the hip are at particularly high risk of DVT. Undertreatment remains a problem, despite ample evidence that primary preventive therapy effectively reduces the risk of DVT, PE, and fatal PE.^{3, 57}

Thrombosis complications also play a major role in cardiovascular disease. Blood clots in coronary arteries cause acute coronary syndrome, and blood clots that form in the heart are the major cause of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation.^{4, 5}

Haemostasis and the coagulation cascade

Blood clot formation, or haemostasis, depends on an intricate series of events involving platelets, other cells, and the activation of specific blood proteins, known as coagulation factors.⁶

Learn more about haemostasis.

Diagnosing thrombosis

Clinical symptoms of DVT and acute coronary syndrome can be associated with other conditions.^{8, 9} For that reason, objective diagnostic tests may be required for diagnosis.

Learn more about diagnosing thrombosis.

How thrombosis develops

A thrombus is a blood clot formed when there is an imbalance in the blood coagulation system. A thrombus can block the flow of blood through a vein or artery, and can detach from the vessel wall to become a life-threatening embolus when it lodges in the lungs or other vital organs.⁶