Thromboembolism of the lower extremities: possible causes, symptoms and treatment features

The human circulatory system is very similar to a tree, where the large arteries are the pulmonary artery and aorta, and small blood vessels act as branches. Due to the characteristics of each organism and numerous factors, the density of blood flowing through the veins is different for everyone. The danger is that blood clots - blood clots - can form in the vessels as a result of the development of thromboembolism. What is thromboembolism of the lower extremities, what are the causes of its occurrence, and also what are the symptoms and treatment features of this disease, we will consider further.

What is thromboembolism

Thromboembolism is a disease that is not independent. It arises as a result of various pathological processes in the body, which served as the cause of the formation of blood clots.

Thromboembolism is a blockage of a blood vessel by a thrombus that has come off from the place where it was formed and into the circulating blood. It is a blood clot, which was formed due to the activation of the blood coagulation system, and may be a response to damage to the vessel wall. The clot blocks the blood flow in the vessel like a cork, and as a result, the development of ischemia.

Most often, pathology develops in the lower vena cava, and this is a threat to the development of thromboembolism of the pulmonary arteries, aorta, as well as blockage of blood vessels in the left parts of the heart muscle.

Thromboembolism is dangerous primarily because it can provoke the development of gangrene of the extremities.

Causes of Thromboembolism

Violation of blood flow in the arteries of the lower extremities primarily provoke diseases of the cardiovascular system, which increase the risk of blood clots, they make up 95% of all causes. These include the following pathologies:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart defects.
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Circulatory disturbance in the heart muscle.
• Rheumatism with damage to the heart valves.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Aneurysms of the vessels of the heart.
• Endocarditis is infectious-septic.

And also there are a number of other reasons that can contribute to the development of thromboembolism of the lower extremities:

• Leg injuries.
• Various blood diseases.
• Systemic diseases.
• Elevated blood sugar.
• High blood coagulability.
• Oncological diseases.
• Severe form of varicose veins.
• Excessive and improper use of drugs.

As a result of these conditions, thromboembolism of the vessels of the lower extremities develops. Namely, this is what happens:

• The composition of the blood changes, its viscosity increases.
• Slows blood flow through vessels and veins.
• The walls of the vessels are damaged.

Risk groups

It is worth saying a few words about those who are at risk. It is in this category of patients that thromboembolism of the arteries of the lower extremities has a greater chance of development. This group includes:

• Office workers.
• People suffering from physical inactivity.
• Working in one position throughout the day.
• Patients working in manufacturing where hard physical labor.

And also in the risk zone fall:

• People over 55 years old.
• Pregnant
• Obese.
• Having undergone pathological birth.
• Having undergone surgery.
• Taking hormonal contraceptives.

I would also like to emphasize that thromboembolism of the veins of the lower extremities is very often observed among tobacco lovers. Smoking increases the likelihood of blood clots.

Stages of the development of the disease

There are four stages of development of thromboembolism of the lower extremities.

1. At rest, the patient has no complaints. With a load on the lower extremities, sometimes a feeling of heaviness in the legs and slight pain appears. Recovery comes quickly after rest.
2. Movement activity persists. Swelling, severe pain, loss of sensitivity of skin areas appear. Legs turn pale, become cold.
3. Tissue ischemia develops. Up to 3 hours reversible changes. At the same time, severe pain is present, there is no pulse and sensitivity. After 6 hours, the joint immobility will join.
4. Irreversible processes. The development of gangrene, the appearance of brown spots.

All these processes develop very quickly, so you need to know what are the symptoms of thromboembolism of the lower extremities. Let's consider them further.

Symptoms of the disease

The following conditions should not be ignored:

• Feeling of chilliness of the legs even when warm.
• A sharp pain in the legs that appears unexpectedly.
• Weakness in the legs, which does not allow free movement.
• Numbness in the legs, tingling.
• Muscle pain, cramps in the legs.
• Sensitivity in the lower leg, foot, or thighs is impaired.
• The skin is pale and cold.
• There is no pulsation of blood vessels.

Such symptoms should alert. If there is already varicose insufficiency, then this can contribute to the development of thromboembolism.

The main thing is not to miss the time and seek help in a timely manner, as the tissues die quickly.

Diagnose a disease

What diagnostic method should be used depends on the localization of the pathology.

If thromboembolism is suspected, the following examination methods are used:

• Determination of D-dimer. Indication within normal limits virtually eliminates embolism.
• Ultrasound of limb veins with dopplerography. In this case, thrombi of peripheral veins are visualized.
• Angiography.
• CT and MRI. Allows you to determine the formation of a blood clot anywhere. Widely used for risk of pulmonary embolism and severe thromboembolism.
• Ultrasound and ECG of the heart.
• Chest x-ray. Use with suspected pulmonary embolism.

For a complete examination, the patient, in order to exclude other pathologies, is prescribed a general analysis of blood, urine and other tests.

Emergency care for suspected thromboembolism

Thromboembolism of the lower extremities is a very dangerous and serious disease. If you suspect a clogged vessel, the patient must be urgently taken to the hospital. In this case, the actions should be as follows:

1. Provide the patient with a horizontal position.
2. Exclude movement and movement.
3. Compliance with bed rest.

If the condition is serious, if necessary, in the medical institution under the supervision of a doctor, the following measures are taken:

• A catheter is inserted into a vein.
• Carry out IVL.
• Oxygen is introduced through a nasal catheter.

The following drugs are used:

• "Heparin."
• "Dopamine."
• "Reopoliklyukin."
• "Eufillin."
• Antibiotics.
• Painkillers

How is thromboembolism treated?

For effective treatment, it is necessary to visit a specialist as soon as possible if there is a suspicion of a disease such as thromboembolism of the lower extremities. Treatment should be comprehensive.

First of all, the doctor will prescribe anticoagulant drugs that promote blood thinning. It is also necessary to carry out therapy of the disease that served as an impetus to the development of such a pathology.

Almost always used painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs.

Thrombolytic therapy is carried out . Use the following drugs:

• "Heparin."
• Tinzaparin.
• "Ukrokinase."
• "Streptokinase."
• "Fraxiparin."

Drugs are prescribed intravenously for 10 days. In this case, constant monitoring of blood coagulability is required - every couple of days. "Warfarin" is also prescribed in tablets. This medicine may be prescribed for use throughout the year. Antispastic medications for cramping are also indicated.

Therapy should be aimed at restoring tissues and improving blood flow in the lower extremities.

If treatment does not produce the desired effect, surgery may be required. Removal of a blood clot from a vessel most often occurs when the femoral and popliteal arteries are blocked . Thrombectomy can be performed in emergency cases, when it becomes clear that the therapy will not be effective.

After surgery, the patient is under the supervision of a physician, while moderate physical activity is indicated in the early stages to exclude blood stasis in the vessels.

Prevention of thromboembolism of the lower extremities

If clogging of arteries has already taken place, you must:

• Follow your doctor's recommendations.
• Systematically take the prescribed drugs.
• Timely treat diseases that increase the risk of thrombosis.
• Do regular ultrasound of the veins of the legs and pelvis.
• Wear compression underwear.
• Not to be in one pose for a long time.
• Do sport.
• Do not lift weights.
• Stop smoking.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Drink fluids more.

Women should not take hormonal contraceptives for too long and wear high-heeled shoes for a whole day.

Only following the recommendations and a healthy lifestyle can we significantly reduce the risk of developing such a dangerous disease as deep vein thromboembolism of the lower extremities.