Andrew Choong: Recognizing Thrombosis Before It Becomes Life-Threatening
Andrew Choong, Founder and Medical Director of Andrew Choong Vascular Surgery, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Today is World Thrombosis Day – October 13.
Thrombosis means blood clots.
Blood clotting is normal, essential, and protective: it stops bleeding after cuts, injury, surgery, or trauma.
The danger starts when a clot forms inside a blood vessel where it should not, blocks blood flow, or breaks off and travels to another organ.
Thrombosis contributes to 1 in 4 deaths worldwide.
Arterial clots form in arteries.
They can block oxygen-rich blood to the brain, heart, or leg – causing stroke, heart attack, acute limb ischaemia, or limb-threatening vascular emergencies.
Venous clots form in veins.
The key condition to recognise is deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, usually in the leg.
Signs of DVT:
- One-sided leg swelling
- Calf pain, tenderness, tightness, or cramping
- Warmth, redness, or a heavy painful leg
The major danger is pulmonary embolism, or PE – when part of a clot breaks off and travels to the lungs.
PE can be life-threatening.
Signs of PE – emergency:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sharp chest pain, especially on breathing in
- Fast heart rate, collapse, coughing blood, or feeling faint
Risk is higher after surgery, long flights, prolonged sitting or bed rest, cancer, pregnancy, hormone therapy, smoking, obesity, dehydration, previous clots, or inherited clotting conditions.
Prevention starts with movement, hydration, and knowing your risk.
On long flights or after surgery, calf exercises, walking when safe, and medical advice about compression or blood thinners may reduce risk in selected patients.
Seek urgent medical help for PE symptoms.
Get checked early for one-sided leg swelling or calf pain, especially if you have risk factors.
Blood clotting is normal.
Abnormal clotting can be deadly.
Know the signs.
Learn more.”
Proceed to the video attached to the post.
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