Venous thromboembolic disease is a serious and potentially life threatening condition. Both men and women are at risk for this, however hormone therapy often used in menopause increases this risk. Blood clots in the leg veins, known as Deep Venous Thrombosis or DVT, are the most common manifestation of thromboembolic disease.
Predisposing factors include:
It is generally agreed that the above three conditions are required for a DVT to occur. These conditions can be present in several different forms. Coagulation is mediated by several proteins which are produced in response to damage to the wall of the blood vessel. The platelets which travel there to repair the injury also help to produce coagulation proteins. There are several inherited conditions which can alter the response of these proteins, resulting in impaired coagulation.
There are also inhibitory substances that are responsible for dissolving a clot after it is created. These inhibitors act to neutralize the coagulation pathway when appropriate. A deficiency in these proteins can allow the coagulation system to be hyperactive.
Elevated levels of estrogens as seen in pregnancy, as well as use of HRT and oral contraceptives can create a hypercoagulable state through increased production of some coagulation proteins.
When other precipitating events or conditions exist in the setting of increased estrogen, you are at risk for a DVT.
Venous stasis can be caused by:
Damage to blood vessel wall can include:
Other factors which could place you at risk for a DVT include age over 60, obesity, and being of blood Type A.
Signs and symptoms of a DVT includes an acutely swollen and painful leg without prior cause or reason for this. Pain in the calf with movement or flexion of your foot upwards can also be a sign of a blood clot, especially when combined with the above precipitating factors.
It is important to seek medical care as soon as possible if you believe you have a blood clot as several dangerous events can occur with these blood clots. The most serious problem could be a piece of the clot breaking loose and travelling to your lungs. This causes inability for that section of lung to work correctly and can ultimately cause destruction of this segment of lung. This event, pulmonary embolus, can be life threatening.
It is important to realize that anyone with several of the risk factors and the situation of immobility can be at risk for dangerous blood clots, however being older and being on hormone therapy increases this risk. It is important to take measures to prevent these clots such as use of support hose if involved with prolonged immobility, drink plenty of water, and work on improving fitness.
Be aware of the symptoms of a blood clot and see your medical provider if you are experiencing any problems which may be associated with thrombosis. It could easily save your life!