Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel, which obstructs the normal flow of blood through the circulatory system. Depending on the location and size of the clot, thrombosis can cause serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or organ damage.

Types of Thrombosis

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Clot in deep veins, usually in the legs.
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE): When a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
• Arterial Thrombosis: Clot in an artery, leading to heart attack or stroke.
• Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST): Clot in veins of the brain.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Prolonged immobility (bed rest, long flights).
• Surgery or trauma.
• Blood clotting disorders (genetic or acquired).
• Pregnancy and oral contraceptives.
• Smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.
• Cancer and certain chronic diseases.

Symptoms

• DVT: Swelling, pain, redness, and warmth in the leg.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, coughing blood.
• Arterial Thrombosis: Severe pain, numbness, cold limb, or sudden weakness (stroke-like symptoms).

Diagnosis

• Blood Tests: D-dimer test.
• Imaging: Ultrasound for DVT, CT pulmonary angiography for PE, MRI/CT scans for brain thrombosis.