How to Treat Thrombosis

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Thrombosis is a condition involving a clot, or thrombus, in a vein or artery. A common form of thrombosis is deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, which is a clot in a vein deep within the leg. Causes of thrombosis include slow or sluggish blood flow, undue pressure or injury to a vein, the tendency for a person's blood to clot quickly or an inflammation of a vein's inner lining. Although some cases of thrombosis can be moderate, this condition can be life-threatening if it occurs in a deep vein, and will require immediate attention and treatment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Treat Thrombosis

Step 1

Obtain and wear a pair of graduated compression stockings. These will help with the swelling.
Step 2

When sitting or lying down, elevate the affected area whenever possible. This will cut down on blood flow to the leg and minimize pressure on the vein.
Step 3

Ask for a prescription for anticoagulant medications to cut down on the blood clotting.
Step 4

Learn about thrombolysis to see if it is required. This involves medication delivered intravenously to dissolve clots.
Step 5

Consider a procedure that involves inserting a tiny vacuum-like device to remove a clot that has been softened with anticoagulant medication.
Step 6

Eat a healthy, balanced diet. It is well-known that excess weight is associated with blood clots.
Step 7

Limit alcohol consumption. The maximum amount of alcohol per day is no more than two glasses.

Tips & Warnings

Although exercise may not minimize clots that have already formed, it may be a good prevention against future clots.
Become educated on the various treatments for thrombosis. The Vascular Disease Foundation is a thorough source for treatment information (see Resources below).
Anticoagulants prevent clots from forming, as well as treat existing clots. The clots end up being dissolved in the body.
Risk factors of thrombosis include age (being over 40), being in a later trimester of pregnancy, smoking, engaging in little or no physical activity, a history of congestive heart failure, severe obesity, varicose veins, estrogen treatment and chronic respiratory failure.
A person's circumstances may make her more susceptible to thrombosis, such as cancer medications that are conductive to blood clotting or prolonged bed rest.
Once clots are removed or sucked out, stenting or angioplasty may be needed to keep the vein open. This is most common for veins in the pelvic area.
Thrombosis requires continued monitoring, as it can have several reoccurrences. Proper diagnosis is important to treat this condition properly.