October 13, 2022, is World Thrombosis Day. This day is set aside to raise awareness of the prevalence of thrombosis and its impact on patients and families worldwide. Thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in an artery or vein. It can occur in any part of the body, but it is most often seen in the legs or arms. When a clot forms, it can block the flow of blood to the area and cause serious damage. There are many different types of thrombosis, but the most common are deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT occurs when a clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. PE occurs when a clot breaks free from a DVT and travels to the lung, where it can block an artery and cause serious problems. Both DVT and PE are serious medical conditions that can be life-threatening. Treatment for DVT and PE typically includes anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent the clot from getting larger or breaking free and causing more damage. If you or someone you know has been affected by thrombosis, October 13 is a day to raise
What is World Thrombosis Day?
Every year, October 13 is World Thrombosis Day (WTD). WTD is a global initiative to raise awareness of the serious nature of thrombosis and its importance as a public health problem. The day also promotes prevention and early diagnosis of thrombosis.
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel. A clot can form in an artery or vein. When a clot forms in an artery, it is called an arterial thrombus. A clot that forms in a vein is called a venous thrombus.
Thrombosis can happen anywhere in the body. It most commonly occurs in the leg veins, but it can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the brain, lungs, heart, or even an unborn baby.
There are many different types of thrombosis, but they all have one thing in common: they are all potentially life-threatening.
That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of thrombosis and to know how to prevent it.
WORLD THROMBOSIS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| World Thrombosis Day 2022 | October 13 | Thursday |
| World Thrombosis Day 2023 | October 13 | Friday |
| World Thrombosis Day 2024 | October 13 | Sunday |
| World Thrombosis Day 2025 | October 13 | Monday |
| World Thrombosis Day 2026 | October 13 | Tuesday |
What is Thrombosis?
1. What is Thrombosis?
Thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms inside a blood vessel, blocking the flow of blood. It can occur in any blood vessel in the body, but most commonly occurs in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or the arteries of the heart (heart attack).
Thrombosis is a serious condition that can lead to death if not treated promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preventing complications from thrombosis.
The Different Types of Thrombosis
There are four main types of thrombosis:
1. Venous thrombosis – This is when a blood clot forms in a vein, usually in the leg.
2. Arterial thrombosis – This is when a blood clot forms in an artery, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
3. Cardiac thrombosis – This is when a blood clot forms in the heart, which can be very dangerous.
4. Portal vein thrombosis – This is when a blood clot forms in the portal vein, which carries blood from the intestines to the liver. This can be very serious and can lead to death.
Causes of Thrombosis
There are many possible causes of thrombosis, but the most common is atherosclerosis. This is when plaque builds up in your arteries and makes them narrower. This can slow down or block blood flow, and make it more likely for a blood clot to form. Other causes include:
-Injury to your blood vessels
-Certain medical conditions (like cancer, heart disease, and stroke)
-Genetic factors
-Pregnancy
-Smoking
-Use of birth control pills
Symptoms of Thrombosis
There are several different types of thrombosis, but they all involve the formation of a blood clot. A blood clot can block the flow of blood to an organ or tissue, and if it breaks loose, it can travel through the bloodstream and cause serious problems.
The most common symptoms of thrombosis include:
• Swelling in the affected limb
• Pain or tenderness in the affected area
• Redness or warmth in the affected area
• Skin that feels tight or stretched
Treatment for Thrombosis
When it comes to treating thrombosis, there are a few different options that your doctor may recommend. One common option is anticoagulant medication. This type of medication helps to prevent your blood from clotting and can be taken either orally or injected.
Another option for treatment is thrombolytic therapy. This therapy uses medications that break up clots that have already formed. It is typically used for more serious cases of thrombosis where there is a risk of the clot causing major damage or even death.
Finally, your doctor may also recommend surgery in some cases. This is usually only done if other treatments are not working or if the clot is in a dangerous location. Surgery can be used to remove the clot or repair any damage that has been caused by it.
No matter which treatment your doctor recommends, it is important to get started on it as soon as possible. Thrombosis can be a very serious condition and can lead to some serious complications if not treated promptly and properly.
Prevention of Thrombosis
The best way to prevent thrombosis is to understand your risk factors and take steps to reduce your risk. Some risk factors, such as family history, cannot be changed. But there are many things you can do to lower your risk of developing a blood clot, including:
-Maintaining a healthy weight
-Eating a healthy diet
-Exercising regularly
-Quitting smoking
-Managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Conclusion
Thrombosis is a global health problem that kills more people than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Every year, millions of people around the world die from preventable blood clots. Yet, thrombosis is largely unknown and misunderstood. World Thrombosis Day (WTD) is an annual day of awareness to empower people all over the world to take action to prevent, detect and treat thrombosis and its related conditions. Join us on October 13, 2022 for World Thrombosis Day – and help save lives!
