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Proper therapies for thrombosis determine life and death
Venous thromboembolism is the third most common leading to death cardiovascular disease in Germany after heart attack and stroke. Anticoagulation is the most important therapeutic measure in acute deep vein thrombosis. She can decide about life and death.
Death-leading cardiovascular disease
According to health experts, the number of thromboses and the associated complications in the form of pulmonary embolism has increased significantly in recent years. An undiscovered thrombosis quickly becomes a mortal danger. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common leading to death cardiovascular disease in Germany after heart attack and stroke. In a thrombosis, it is important to act quickly. The right therapy can decide about life and death.
In Germany, around 100,000 people die each year as a result of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The most important therapeutic measure is anticoagulation. She can decide about life and death.(Image: zlikovec / fotolia.com)
Blood clot clogs vessel
In a thrombosis, a blood clot (thrombus) is formed, which can constrict a vessel or completely clogged. Most commonly, this happens in the leg veins.
If the blood graft dissolves and is flushed into the lungs with the bloodstream, it can block blood vessels (thromboembolism) and cause pulmonary embolism, which is often fatal.
In addition, blood clots can cause a heart attack or stroke and other circulatory disorders.
In Germany alone, around 100,000 people die each year as a result of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
High age as the main risk factor
Although it can basically meet young and old, but the age is the main risk factor for thrombosis. According to health experts, the danger increases significantly from the age of 60 years.
Even people with varicose veins, lung or heart disease, as well as smokers and obese people have an increased risk of thrombosis.
In addition, it is known that lack of exercise, such as after prolonged bed rest after surgery or during air travel and also hormonal changes such as in pregnancy have an increased risk of thrombosis.
According to experts, modern anti-baby pills are also a great danger.
Anticoagulation is the most important therapy measure
Anticoagulation is the most important therapeutic measure in case of acute deep vein thrombosis or its possible complication, pulmonary embolism.
The importance of adequate anticoagulation in the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is illustrated by the following figures:
If the anticoagulation is terminated after a pulmonary embolism, 25 - 33 percent of recurrences (recurrence of the disease) are fatal, reports the German Society of Angiology - Society for Vascular Medicine e.V. in a message that the "Information Service Science" (idw) published.
The current interdisciplinary guidelines recommend an individualized decision on the duration of anticoagulation, taking into account patient preferences and clinically meaningful factors.
However, this deliberately intended flexibility and individualization brings with it a degree of uncertainty for doctors and patients.
The action alliance Thrombose will present the "Anticoagulation Traffic Light" on World Thrombosis Day on October 13th under the patronage of Federal Minister of Health Hermann Gröhe in Berlin. With this treatment physicians should be supported in the therapy.
In addition, on that day, vascular experts, GPs and other healthcare professionals will discuss "how to further improve intersectoral delivery in venous thromboembolism," states a statement. (Ad)