
Arterial thrombosis is a serious condition in which blood clots block arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body. When this happens, the clot can block blood flow where it formed or break loose and travel to another part of the body. If a clot gets stuck in a critical area, it can cause life-threatening conditions like a stroke. Arterial thrombosis is the most common cause of strokes and can occur in the arteries that supply blood to the brain. This can lead to an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage of an artery and accounts for about 87% of all strokes. A thrombotic stroke, a type of ischemic stroke, occurs when a blood clot forms and blocks blood flow through the artery in which it formed, blocking the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a portion of the brain and causing long-term brain damage.
What You'll Learn
Blockage of blood flow to the brain
Arterial thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot blocks an artery. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body. When a clot blocks an artery that supplies blood to the brain, it can lead to a stroke. This is known as an ischemic stroke, specifically a thrombotic stroke, and it occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or "clogged", causing brain cells and tissues to die within minutes due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.
Thrombotic strokes are classified into two categories based on the size of the blockage within the brain: large-vessel thrombosis and small-vessel thrombosis. Large-vessel strokes occur in the larger blood-supplying arteries of the brain, such as the carotid artery or middle cerebral artery. They typically result in substantial symptoms and long-term effects, including aphasia (trouble with language) or hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body). Small-vessel strokes, on the other hand, occur when blood flow is blocked to a small and deep penetrating arterial blood vessel. This type of stroke is also known as a lacunar stroke or a subcortical stroke and can produce minor effects or substantial handicaps, depending on the area of the brain that is affected.
The immediate symptoms and long-term effects of a thrombotic stroke depend on the area of the brain that is affected by the lack of blood supply. Some possible symptoms include trouble understanding words or speaking, loss of consciousness, weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body, blurred vision, sudden severe headache, and loss of balance or coordination.
There are several risk factors associated with thrombotic strokes. Atherosclerosis, or the narrowing of the blood vessels, is the most common cause, often resulting from high blood pressure, diabetes, and the build-up of cholesterol, fat, and debris in the blood vessels. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, smoking, recreational drug use, and trauma to the blood vessels in the neck can all increase the risk of thrombotic strokes. Additionally, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or "mini-strokes" can precede a thrombotic stroke and serve as a warning sign.
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Blood clots in the brain
Ischemic strokes, accounting for around 85% of strokes, occur when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel, impairing blood flow to the brain. Brain cells and tissues begin to die within minutes due to oxygen deprivation. There are two types of ischemic strokes: thrombotic and embolic. Thrombotic strokes are caused by a blood clot that develops in the blood vessels inside the brain, usually in older people with high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, or diabetes. Embolic strokes, on the other hand, are caused by a blood clot or plaque debris that forms elsewhere in the body and travels to a blood vessel in the brain through the bloodstream. Embolic strokes often result from heart disease or heart surgery and occur without warning signs.
The symptoms of a blood clot-induced stroke include weakness or numbness in one arm, slurred speech, facial drooping on one side, a sudden and severe headache, trouble seeing, dizziness, and loss of balance or coordination. These symptoms indicate a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Treatment options include medication (anticoagulants and thrombolytics), surgery (mechanical thrombectomy and carotid endarterectomy), lifestyle changes, and rehabilitation therapies.
It is crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots in the brain to seek timely medical intervention. The B.E. F.A.S.T. (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time) acronym is a helpful tool for identifying stroke symptoms. Additionally, diagnostic tests such as CT scans and MRI scans confirm the presence of blood clots and provide detailed information about the extent of brain damage.
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Atherosclerosis
The disease starts when the inner lining of an artery, known as the endothelium, is damaged. This damage may be caused by physical stress, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, or inflammation driven by the immune system. Fats, cholesterol, platelets, cellular debris, and calcium accumulate in the walls of these damaged arteries, leading to the creation and accumulation of other cell types. This buildup is called plaque, which thickens the artery wall and narrows the vessel, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the parts of the body the artery serves.
In some cases, a blood clot or other particle may break away from the rupture site and travel through the bloodstream as an embolus. If it lodges in an artery leading to or in the brain, it results in an embolic stroke. However, most embolic strokes are caused by blood clots that form due to atrial fibrillation and then enter the bloodstream.
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High blood pressure
Arterial thrombosis can be caused by a hardening of the arteries, known as arteriosclerosis. This condition develops when fatty or calcium deposits thicken the artery walls, leading to a buildup of fatty plaque. If this plaque ruptures, it can trigger the formation of a blood clot.
Hypertension is often referred to as "the silent killer" because it exhibits no apparent symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly monitor your blood pressure to ensure it remains within a healthy range. Managing high blood pressure through lifestyle changes, medication, and medical advice is critical to reducing the risk of arterial thrombosis and stroke.
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High cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance, or lipid, that is found naturally in the blood. It is produced in the liver and is important for our digestive and hormonal systems. However, high levels of cholesterol can be harmful, causing damage to blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is because excess cholesterol enters the bloodstream and can lead to a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, causing them to narrow and stiffen. This process is called atherosclerosis.
The damage to the artery walls can lead to a blood clot forming, which may travel to the brain and cause a stroke. This is known as an embolic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that forms elsewhere in the body and travels to one of the blood vessels in the brain. Thrombotic strokes, on the other hand, are caused by a blood clot that develops in the blood vessels inside the brain. Both types of strokes are classified under ischemic strokes, which are caused by a blockage of an artery.
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Frequently asked questions
Arterial thrombosis is when a blood clot blocks an artery. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body.
When a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, it can lead to a stroke. This is called an ischemic stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is impaired. Brain cells and tissues begin to die within minutes due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients.
Risk factors for arterial thrombosis include lack of activity, obesity, family history, and lack of movement, such as after surgery or on a long trip.
Symptoms of arterial thrombosis may include weakness or trouble controlling muscles on one side of the body, slurred or garbled speech, confusion or agitation, and chest pain.