Arterial thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombosis) in an artery. This condition can block blood flow to the body's organs certain so that it has the potential to cause conditions which serious problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Most arterial thrombosis is caused by the release of blood platelets or platelets in response to the body's response to plaque rupture that causes atherosclerosis. These pieces of blood then coalesce and clot. If the clot that forms is large enough, then this condition can cause blockages in the arteries.
Although similar, thrombosis is different from embolism. In thrombosis, the blockage occurs specifically due to a blood clot in a blood vessel. Whereas in embolism, blockage can be caused by any foreign object or substance, including air bubbles, fat, and even amniotic fluid.
Causes of Arterial Thrombosis
Arterial thrombosis occurs when blood platelets or platelets clump together, blocking blood flow. Blood clots can form in the body's response to injury or injury to the blood vessels.
The most common cause of thrombosis is plaque rupture in atherosclerosis. In addition, arterial thrombosis can also occur in patients with vasculitis, atrial fibrillation, or patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.
There are several factors that can increase a person's potential for arterial thrombosis, namely:
- Have a smoking habit
- Suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
- Having excess weight to suffer from obesity
- Having an unhealthy and high-fat diet
- Have a family history of arterial thrombosis or atherosclerosis
- Have a less active lifestyle or physical activity
- Having alcohol addiction
- old age
Symptoms of Arterial Thrombosis
Arterial thrombosis generally causes no symptoms until a blood clot blocks or stops blood flow to a certain part of the body. Symptoms of this condition can vary, depending on the location of the blockage.
Blockages in the coronary arteries
Arterial thrombosis that clogs the coronary arteries will cause a heart attack. This condition is generally characterized by the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Hard to breathe
- Dizzy
- Pale
- A cold sweat
- Nausea and vomiting
Blockage of arteries to the brain
If an arterial thrombosis occludes an artery in the brain, an ischemic stroke will occur. This condition is generally characterized by the following symptoms:
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- The face looks asymmetrical or one looks lower
- Speaks sluggishly, has difficulty speaking, or understands speech
- Difficult to maintain balance
- Headache or dizziness
- Difficult to swallow
Sometimes, the blockage due to this blood clot can only last temporarily. This condition is known as a minor stroke or TIA.transient ischemic attack).
Obstruction of peripheral arteries
This condition generally occurs as a complication of peripheral arterial disease. In peripheral artery disease, the plaque buildup that occurs can rupture. As a result, blood clots can occur. Blood clots that block peripheral arteries can cause complaints and symptoms, such as:
- Leg pain
- Limb looks pale, bluish, or feels cold
- Numbness or weakness in the limbs
When to go to the doctor
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms of arterial thrombosis that have been mentioned above. You need to go to the ER immediately if you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Both of these conditions require treatment as soon as possible because it can be fatal.
If you have conditions or factors that can increase the risk of arterial thrombosis, such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension, then have regular check-ups or check-ups with your doctor to monitor your condition.
Arterial Thrombosis Diagnosis
To diagnose arterial thrombosis, the doctor will ask in detail the complaints experienced by the patient, both to the patient himself and to the patient's family.
If the patient comes with a serious condition, such as a heart attack or stroke, the doctor will carry out initial treatment first to stabilize the patient's condition before conducting a thorough examination.
To confirm the diagnosis of arterial thrombosis, the doctor will also perform the following tests:
- Blood tests, to determine the speed of blood clotting, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels
- Doppler ultrasound, to observe blood flow in arteries suspected of having blockages
- MRI and CT scan, to see in detail the part that is blocked or damaged
- Angiography, to see in more detail the condition of blocked and damaged arteries
Arterial Thrombosis Treatment
Treatment of arterial thrombosis aims to destroy or remove blood clots and prevent them from forming again. That way, blood flow to the organs of the body can return smoothly. This can be done with the following treatments:
Administration of drugs
The following are some drugs that can be given to treat arterial thrombosis:
- Medicines to prevent blood clots (anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents), such as aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin
- Medicines to break up blood clots (thrombolytics), such as streptokinase
- Medicines to relieve pain, such as ibuprofen or morphine
- Medications to control cholesterol levels, such as statins
- Medicines to lower blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors
- Medicines to control blood sugar, such as insulin
Surgery or surgery
Surgery or surgery can be chosen if treatment with drugs alone is not enough or if the location of the blockage has the potential to endanger the life of the sufferer.
Here are some surgical options for treating arterial thrombosis:
- Thrombectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove blood clots from blocked arteries
- Angioplasty, which is a procedure for opening a blocked artery with a balloon catheter and then widening it using a catheter and placing it stent so keep wide
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), which is a procedure to create a new blood flow route by taking blood vessels from other parts of the body
Complications of Arterial Thrombosis
Complications caused by arterial thrombosis depend on the location of the blocked blood vessel. When arterial thrombosis occurs in the blood vessels of the brain, a stroke can occur; If it occurs in the blood vessels of the heart, a heart attack can occur. Complications of arterial thrombosis can also be in the form of tissue death in the legs.
These conditions can then lead to further complications. For example, a heart attack due to blockage in the coronary arteries can cause heart damage, heart failure, and even death.
Prevention of Arterial Thrombosis
In general, arterial thrombosis can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. The trick is to:
- Quit smoking
- Doing exercise regularly
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Eat foods that are rich in fiber and do not contain a lot of saturated fat
- Avoid or limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Check with your doctor regularly if you have conditions that are at risk of causing blood clots, such as diabetes or hypertension
- Take medication from a doctor as recommended if you have experienced arterial thrombosis