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

The circulatory system of a person is very similar to a tree, where the large arteries are the pulmonary artery and the aorta, and the small blood vessels serve as branches. Due to the peculiarities of each organism and numerous factors, the density of blood flowing through the veins is different for all. The danger is that blood clots can form in the blood 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 characteristics of the treatment of this disease, consider further.

What is thromboembolism

Thromboembolism is a disease that is not self-sufficient. It arises as a consequence of various pathological processes in the body, which caused the formation of thrombi.

Thromboembolism is the occlusion of a blood vessel by a thrombus that detaches from the place where it was formed and got into circulating blood. It is a blood clot that is formed due to activation of the blood coagulation system, and can 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 pathology develops in the lower hollow veins, and this is a threat of the development of thromboembolism of the pulmonary arteries, aorta, and obstruction of the vessels in the left parts of the cardiac muscle.

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

Causes of thromboembolism

Disturbance of blood flow in the arteries of the lower extremities provokes primarily cardiovascular diseases, which increase the risk of blood clots, they account for 95% of all causes. This includes such pathologies:

• Cardiomyopathy.
• Heart defects.
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Violation of blood circulation in the heart muscle.
• Rheumatism with defeat of valvular heart.
• 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:

• Injuries of the legs.
• Various diseases of the blood.
• Systemic diseases.
• Increased blood sugar.
• High coagulability of blood.
• Oncological diseases.
• Severe form of varicose veins.
• Excessive and improper use of medicines.

As a result of these conditions, thromboembolism of the vessels of the lower extremities develops. Namely that's what happens:

• The composition of blood changes, its viscosity increases.
• Slowed blood flow through the vessels and veins.
• Damage to the walls of blood vessels.

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 great chance of development. This group includes:

• Office workers.
• People suffering from hypodynamia.
• Working in one position throughout the day.
• Patients working in production, where heavy physical labor.

And also in the risk zone fall:

• People over 55 years.
• Pregnant.
• Obese people.
• The transferred pathological birth.
• Postponed surgical intervention.
• Taking hormonal contraceptives.

Also I want to emphasize that thromboembolism of the veins of the lower extremities is very often observed in tobacco lovers. Smoking increases the likelihood of blood clots.

Stages of 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 limbs, there is sometimes a feeling of heaviness in the legs and a slight pain. Recovery comes quickly after rest.
2. The motor activity is preserved. There is swelling, severe pain, loss of sensitivity of skin areas. Legs turn pale, become cold.
3. Ischemia of tissues develops. Up to 3 hours reversible change. In this case there are severe pains, there is no pulse and sensitivity. After 6 hours, the immobility of the joints will join.
4. Irreversible processes. Development of gangrene, the appearance of brown spots.

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

Symptoms of the disease

Do not disregard the following conditions:

• Feeling chill feet even in the heat.
• A sharp pain in the legs, which appears unexpectedly.
• Weakness in the legs, which does not allow free movement.
• Numbness in the legs, tingling.
• Muscle aches, cramps in the legs.
• Sensitivity in the region of the shin, foot or thigh is impaired.
• Skin 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 get help promptly, as the tissues die quickly.

Diagnose the disease

Which method of diagnosis should be used depends on the location of the pathology.

When suspected of thromboembolism, the following survey methods are used:

• Determination of D-dimer. The indication within the limits of the rule practically excludes embolism.
• Ultrasound of the extremities with dopplerography. At the same time, thrombi of peripheral veins are visualized.
• Angiography.
• CT and MRI. Allow to determine the formation of a thrombus in any place. Widely used for the risk of PE and thromboembolism in severe form.
• Ultrasound and cardiac ECG.
• Radiography of the chest. Used for suspected PE.

For a complete examination, a general blood test, urine and other tests are prescribed to exclude other pathologies.

Emergency help for suspected thromboembolism

Thromboembolism of the lower extremities is a very dangerous and serious disease. If you suspect a blockage of blood vessels, the patient should be rushed to the hospital. The actions should be the following:

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

If the condition is severe, if necessary, in a medical institution under the supervision of a doctor, the following activities are carried out:

• Place the catheter in a vein.
• Conduct an artificial ventilation.
• Enter oxygen through the nasal catheter.

The following drugs are used:

• "Heparin".
• Dopamine.
• «Reopolyklyukin».
• "Eufillin."
• Antibiotics.
• Anesthetics.

How to treat thromboembolism

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

First of all, the doctor will prescribe anticoagulant drugs, which help to dilute blood. It is also necessary to carry out therapy for the disease that triggered the development of such a pathology.

Almost always used painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs.

Thrombolytic therapy is performed. Use such medicines:

• "Heparin".
• "Tinzaparin."
• "Ukrokinase."
• Streptokinase.
• Fraksiparin.

The drugs are administered intravenously for 10 days. At the same time, constant monitoring of blood coagulability is necessary - every couple of days. Also, "Warfarin" is prescribed in tablets. This medication can be prescribed for use throughout the year. Antispastic drugs against spasms are also shown.

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

If treatment does not give the desired effect, surgical intervention may be required. Removal of a thrombus from the vessel most often occurs with blockage of the femoral and popliteal arteries. Thrombectomy can be performed in emergency cases, when it becomes clear that therapy will not be effective.

After the operation, the patient is under the control of the doctor, while in order to rule out the stagnation of blood in the vessels, moderate physical activity is shown in the early stages.

Prevention of thromboembolism of lower extremities

If the occlusion of arteries has already occurred, it is necessary:

• Follow the doctor's recommendations.
• Systematically take prescribed medications.
• In a timely manner, treat diseases that increase the risk of developing thrombosis.
• Regularly do ultrasound of the veins of the legs and pelvis.
• Wear compression underwear.
• Do not spend a long time in one pose.
• Do sport.
• Do not lift weights.
• Refuse to smoke.
• Adhere to proper nutrition.
• Drink more liquid.

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

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