Diseases of the veins are different from those of the arteries because of the structural differences. Blockages can occur in the veins, but these are usually caused by blood clots (thrombi) and not by atherosclerosis. When a thrombus forms in a vein, blood is prevented from traveling back toward the heart. The collection of blood results in increased pressure and often leads to swelling and tenderness. For example, a blood clot in the deep vein of the calf will cause the calf and foot to become swollen and tender. This condition is referred to as deep venous thrombosis.seepage of fluid into the surrounding tissues (edema) can be uncomfortable. Clotting of blood in the veins tends to occur whenever the blood flow in the vein is slow or becomes stagnant. Typically this occurs in the legs when you are still, as in a long ride in a car c plane, when you are constantly in bed because of illness or surgery, or after an injury to the leg.The main risk of blood clots forming and causing deep venous thrombosis is that the blood clot can enlarge and extend up the vein. If a piece breaks off, it can travel upstream and lodge in the heart or lungs. Just as in the arterial circulation, this disorder is called thromboembolism. A thrombus that dislodges from a vein in the leg will travel through larger and larger veins until it reaches the right side of the heart. From there it will enter the pulmonary artery and lodge in a branch, at which point it blocks blood flow to part of the lung. A clot in the lung circulation is a pulmonary embolus.Treatment with anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) in the early stages of deep venous thrombosis can prevent enlargement of the clot and lessen the likelihood of pulmonary embolism.*205\252\8*
Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 | Author: admin
Category: Cardio & Blood- Сholesterol
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