Thrombosis
Thrombosis is a subspecialist interest of mine and I am always very happy to consult with patients on this subject. People who have experienced thrombosis are often concerned about why this might have happened, whether ongoing symptoms they have are normal, and may have queries about their anticoagulation.
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel, which can partially or completely block blood flow. It can occur in veins (venous thrombosis) or arteries (arterial thrombosis) and may lead to serious complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), heart attack or stroke.
Haematologists are usually more involved with the prevention and management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) rather than arterial thrombosis, which is more closely linked to cardiovascular disease and is typically managed by cardiologists, vascular or stroke specialists.
DVTs occur when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most often in the legs. If part of this clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it is called a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), which can be serious, and even life-threatening.
My role as a haematologist in managing DVT and PE:
Identifying the Cause – Investigating whether your clot was triggered by a temporary risk factor (such as surgery) or whether it was considered unprovoked. Deciding on the need for any additional blood tests/other investigations to help determine the underlying cause or help stratify risk of VTE recurrence.
Deciding on Anticoagulation Duration – Some patients need anticoagulation (blood-thinning medication) for a few months, while others require lifelong treatment. This decision needs careful consideration according to an individual’s own specific history, taking into account their own preferences.
Advising on recurrence and bleeding risks – Includes discussion around symptoms to watch for and potential lifestyle adjustments.
Assessing for complications of VTE such as post-thrombotic syndrome and pulmonary hypertension.