Interactive CVS Disorders Guide
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in the deep veins, most commonly in the legs. The pathogenesis of DVT is explained by Virchow's triad, which includes:
- Venous Stasis: Slow or stagnant blood flow in the veins increases the risk of clot formation.
- Endothelial Injury: Damage to the inner lining of the veins triggers the clotting cascade.
- Hypercoagulability: An increased tendency for blood to clot due to inherited or acquired factors.
Several factors increase the risk of DVT:
- Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 60.
- Immobility: Prolonged bed rest, paralysis, or sitting for extended periods.
- Surgery: Recent surgery, especially orthopedic procedures.
- Trauma: Injuries to the veins or surrounding tissues.
- Pregnancy and Postpartum: Hormonal changes and reduced mobility.
- Obesity: Increased pressure on veins and reduced mobility.
- Smoking: Damages the endothelium and increases clotting risk.
- Medications: Oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy.
- Medical Conditions: Cancer, heart failure, inflammatory diseases.
The etiology of DVT can be categorized into inherited and acquired factors:
- Inherited Factors: Genetic thrombophilias (e.g., Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin gene mutation, antithrombin deficiency, protein C or S deficiency).
- Acquired Factors: Surgery or trauma, malignancy, inflammatory diseases, hormonal factors, immobilization.
Prevention:
- Early mobilization after surgery or illness.
- Graduated compression stockings to improve venous return.
- Anticoagulant medications for high-risk individuals.
- Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and staying active.
Treatment:
- Anticoagulant therapy to prevent clot growth and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism.
- Thrombolytic therapy or surgical intervention in severe cases.
Chronic Arterial Occlusion
Chronic arterial occlusion occurs when there is a gradual narrowing or blockage of an artery, leading to reduced blood flow to the affected area. The pathogenesis involves:
- Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in the arterial walls narrows the lumen, reducing blood flow.
- Thrombosis: A blood clot forms in the artery, partially or completely blocking blood flow.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation of the arterial wall can lead to narrowing.
Factors that increase the risk of chronic arterial occlusion include:
- Atherosclerosis Risk Factors: Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity.
- Age: Risk increases with age due to cumulative damage to the arteries.
- Family History: Genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis or hypercoagulability.
- Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like vasculitis can cause arterial narrowing.
The etiology of chronic arterial occlusion is primarily related to atherosclerosis, but other factors can contribute:
- Atherosclerosis: Progressive narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.
- Thrombosis: Formation of a blood clot in the artery.
- Inflammatory Diseases: Vasculitis or other inflammatory conditions causing arterial narrowing.
- Trauma: Injury to the artery leading to narrowing or occlusion.
Symptoms of chronic arterial occlusion depend on the location and severity of the blockage:
- Lower Extremities: Intermittent claudication, rest pain, ulcers or gangrene.
- Upper Extremities: Arm claudication, digital ischemia.
- Other Areas: Renal artery stenosis, mesenteric ischemia.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Smoking cessation, healthy diet, regular exercise.
Medications:
- Antiplatelet drugs to prevent clot formation.
- Statins to lower cholesterol.
- Antihypertensives to control blood pressure.
Endovascular Procedures:
- Angioplasty: Balloon dilation of the narrowed artery.
- Stenting: Placement of a stent to keep the artery open.
Surgical Intervention:
- Bypass surgery: Creation of a new pathway for blood flow around the blockage.
- Endarterectomy: Removal of plaque from the artery.
تعليقات
إرسال تعليق