Thrombosis - causes, symptoms & preventive measures

Thrombosis is a vascular occlusion caused by a blood clot - recognise the warning signs in good time and find out all about causes, treatment and effective prevention.

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Thrombosis is the blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot (thrombus) that obstructs or completely interrupts the normal flow of blood.

Thrombosis is particularly common in the deep leg or pelvic veins (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), but can also occur in arteries or superficial veins. If left untreated, there is a risk that parts of the thrombus will detach and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs - leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

The main causes of thrombosis are slowed blood flow, a change in the composition of the blood and damage to the vessel wall. Risk factors are sitting or lying down for long periods of time, surgery, pregnancy, smoking, being overweight, hormonal contraceptives (e.g. the pill) and certain e.g. the pill) and certain hereditary diseases. Symptoms of thrombosis can include swelling, pain, tension, redness or overheating of the affected area. However, thrombosis often goes unnoticed.

An ultrasound examination, a D-dimer blood test or venography are usually carried out for diagnosis. Treatment is carried out with blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent the thrombus from growing and reduce the risk of an embolism. In severe cases, operative removal of the clot may be necessary.

To prevent thrombosis, it is important to include sufficient exercise in your daily routine, stand up regularly when travelling for long periods, drink lots of water and - especially after surgery or during pregnancy - wear compression stockings or take blood-thinning medication as prescribed by a doctor. A healthy diet with sufficient omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and magnesium can also help to keep blood clotting in a healthy balance.

Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. from fish oil, linseed or walnuts) have an anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning effect by reducing the formation of platelet aggregates (clumping of blood platelets). This could reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots forming, which can lead to thrombosis. Vitamin E has an antioxidant effect and protects the blood vessel walls from damage caused by free radicals. It can also have a slight blood thinning effect by inhibiting the clumping of blood platelets. Studies indicate that an adequate supply of vitamin E can reduce the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis.
Magnesium is essential for healthy blood circulation, as it relaxes the vessels and promotes their elasticity.