A thrombosis is a blood clot. It can form in any of the veins or arteries. The principal effect of such a clot is to restrict the flow of blood to vital organs. This in turn reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients the organs receive. When the heart itself is affected, a heart attack is a possible outcome. Strokes and pulmonary embolisms are also caused by blood clots.
The Symptoms of a Thrombosis
There are several possible symptoms of a thrombosis. They can include:
- discoloration, swelling and soreness in the area of the blood clot
- a deep seated ache
- an irritable rash on the clot site
- an increase in skin temperature close to the clot
- more visible veins in the clot area
- feverishness
Should the clot move to the lungs, it may cause breathlessness or even a collapse.
The Causes of a Thrombosis
Given the high levels of heart disease in the United Kingdom, it is important that people should make themselves aware of the causes of a thrombosis. Some of these causes are unavoidable, such as aging. However, it is possible to make changes to one's lifestyle in order to reduce the risks. Such issues as obesity, lack of regular exercise and smoking are the most obvious threats that can be addressed as can diet. Excessive cholesterol is a major factor in heart disease. For women, the use of the contraceptive pill or HRT treatment increases the risks of blood clots. One's health history also has a bearing on one's vulnerability.
The Reading University Team's Research
Professor Jon Gibbins is the Director of Reading University’s Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research. His team of scientists have discovered the tasks that a protein called LXR carry out in relation to how the blood and how it clots and reacts with cholesterol. Gibbins' team experimented with drugs on mice and have discovered it is possible to restrict the sizes of the clots that would form. Until now it has been considered necessary to target both the issues of anti-clotting and high cholesterol in high risk patients. The problem with this duel approach has been that it didn't suit all sufferers. In addition, the treatment carries with it some harmful side effects. The Reading team have discovered that drugs that specifically target LXR will also work on cholesterol. Whilst effective drugs suitable for use on humans have yet to be developed a much better understanding as to what is required has been reached. There is little doubt that scientists are very much closer to dramatically reducing the number of deaths caused by strokes and heart attacks.
References:
- www.telegraph.co.uk/science/8386052 "UK Scientists make important blood clot discovery" (accessed 23rd March 2011)
- www.nhs.uk "Thrombosis - Symptoms" (accessed 23rd March 2011)
- www.nhs.uk "Thrombosis - Causes" (accessed 23rd March 2011)
