Today, with advanced medical technology, you no longer need open surgery to treat varicocele. Interventional radiology has made it possible to treat this condition safely, quickly and without major cuts. Coil or Glue Embolization Treatment in Gurgaon is becoming one of the most preferred choices because it is simple, effective and needs very little recovery time. This treatment is performed by highly trained specialists, the interventional radiologists in Gurgaon, who use imaging guidance to treat the affected veins from inside the body.

This article explains everything you need to know about varicocele, its symptoms and why Coil or Glue Embolization is considered as the best minimally invasive treatment in Gurgaon for varicocele disease.

What Is Varicocele Disease?

A varicocele develops when the valves inside the scrotal veins stop working properly. This leads to blood pooling and dilation of the veins. Over time, these veins become enlarged and twisted.

Common problems caused by varicocele include:

• Dull, aching pain in the scrotum
• Swelling or heaviness
• Enlarged veins that look like a “bag of worms”
• Reduced sperm quality, affecting fertility
• Shrinking of the affected testicle (testicular atrophy)

Not every man experiences symptoms, but varicocele is one of the leading causes of male infertility worldwide. That is why timely diagnosis and proper treatment are so important.

What Is Coil or Glue Embolization Treatment?

Coil or Glue Embolization Treatment is a modern, image-guided and the best non-surgical treatment in Gurgaon for varicocele. Instead of cutting the scrotum or abdomen, the interventional radiologist enters the body through a tiny pinhole in the groin or neck.

A thin tube called a catheter is guided to the affected vein using X-ray imaging. The doctor then places small coils or medical glue inside the faulty vein. This blocks the problematic vein and redirects blood flow through healthy veins.

The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and is done under local anesthesia with mild sedation.

Why Is Coil or Glue Embolization the Best Minimally Invasive Option?

Many men choose this treatment because it offers long-term relief without the risks of major surgery.

Benefits of Coil or Glue Embolization Treatment:

• Minimally invasive: Only a tiny needle puncture
• Quick recovery: Most patients return to routine activities within 1 – 2 days
• Lower pain: Much less discomfort compared to surgery
• No stitches or scars
• High success rate: Great improvement in sperm count and quality
• Outpatient procedure: Same-day discharge
• Lower complication risk: No surgical cuts, no general anesthesia

For these reasons, it is widely known as the best interventional radiology treatment in Gurgaon for varicocele disease.

What to Expect During and After the Coil or Glue Embolization Procedure?

During the procedure:

• You stay awake but relaxed under mild sedation.
• The interventional radiologist inserts a small catheter into a vein.
• Using live imaging, it is moved to the varicocele vein.
• Coils or glue are placed to seal the faulty vein.
• The procedure is painless and quick.

After the procedure:

• Mild swelling or discomfort may occur for 1 – 2 days.
• Most patients return home within a few hours.
• Heavy lifting and gym workouts should be avoided for a week.
• Fertility improvement is usually seen in the following months.

Coil or Glue Embolization is now considered as the best non-surgical treatment in Gurgaon for varicocele due to its safety and effectiveness.

Who Should Consider This Treatment?

Men may benefit from this treatment if they have:

• Persistent scrotal pain
• Visible enlarged veins
• Difficulty conceiving
• Low sperm count or poor sperm quality
• Testicular shrinkage
• Discomfort during long periods of standing

Timely treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and protect long-term fertility.

Why Coil or Glue Embolization Is Preferred for Varicocele Treatment in Gurgaon?

Gurgaon has become one of the top destinations for advanced interventional radiology procedures. Many hospitals offer world-class facilities, experienced specialists and affordable costs. For this reason, patients from across the country prefer to undergo varicocele treatment in Gurgaon using the embolization method.

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit the Best Interventional Radiology in Gurgaon

If you are experiencing discomfort, swelling or fertility issues due to varicocele, it is important to get evaluated by the best interventional radiology in Gurgaon. Coil or Glue Embolization offers excellent results, minimal pain and a faster return to normal life.

Booking an appointment with a top specialist ensures that you receive personalized care, an accurate diagnosis and the best minimally invasive treatment tailored to your specific condition. For long-term relief and improved fertility, choose the best interventional radiology treatment in Gurgaon.

Your first step to better health begins with the right decision – choose expert care today!

What is a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. DVT occurs when a clot forms in deep veins, usually in the legs or arms. Unfortunately, nearly half of DVT cases show no noticeable symptoms, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

What Causes a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

DVT can develop due to several factors, including:

• Remaining immobile for long periods of time
• Injuries and surgeries
• Certain chronic diseases
• Hormonal changes
• Obesity
• Family history of DVT
• Individuals over 50 years of age

How to Recognize the Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Although many DVT patients remain asymptomatic, some common signs to watch for include:

• Swelling in one leg or arm
• Tenderness or pain, especially when standing or walking
• Warmth in the affected limb
• Skin discoloration, often appearing red or blue

What to Do If You Suspect Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important to managing DVT effectively. The best interventional radiologist in India offers cutting-edge, minimally invasive solutions to dissolve blood clots and restore proper blood flow. If you are seeking the best non-surgical treatment in India, interventional radiology offers superior results with minimal discomfort, reduced recovery time, and fewer complications.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of DVT, schedule a consultation with the best interventional radiology in India to receive a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Take the first step towards the best DVT treatment in India and protect your vascular health today!

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

PAD occurs when arteries become clogged with plaque, which is a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances, eventually reducing blood flow to the arms and legs. This insufficient blood supply often results in pain, cramping, or discomfort during physical activity.

The best non-surgical treatment options for PAD in India are increasingly accessible, due to advancements in interventional radiology.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Peripheral Artery Disease?

Several factors increase the risk of developing PAD, including:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Aging (especially over 50 years)
• Family history of PAD
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• High levels of homocysteine

Even if you don’t have these risk factors, you can still develop PAD; hence early diagnosis is essential if you experience symptoms like leg pain, tingling, or sores.

What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease?

PAD symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common indicators include:

• Tingling or numbness in the legs
• Sores on the feet or toes that heal slowly
• Discoloration of the skin
• Hair loss or shiny skin on legs
• Weak or faint pulse in legs
• Leg or arm pain during activity
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Coldness in lower extremities
• Painful cramping in hips, thighs, or calves

If PAD is left untreated, then it can worsen conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or critical limb ischemia, which may lead to tissue death and amputation.

How is Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosing PAD involves a combination of physical exams and advanced diagnostic tests, including:

• Physical exam: Physicians check for weak pulses, skin discoloration, or coldness in limbs.
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI): This compares blood pressure in the arms and ankles to detect reduced blood flow.
• Ultrasound: It is a non-invasive imaging technique to check the blood flow and artery health.
• Angiography: A dye-based imaging technique that helps to visualize blood vessels for blockages or narrowing.
• Blood tests: Cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood sugar levels indicate overall artery and heart health.

What Are the Best Minimally Invasive Treatments for PAD in India?

India offers some of the best interventional radiology treatments for PAD. These minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures are safer, more precise, and have quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgeries.

Medications

Managing underlying conditions like high cholesterol, blood pressure, or diabetes is often the first step. Blood thinners and medications for pain relief may also be prescribed.

Interventional Radiology PAD Treatment Procedures

• Angioplasty: A small balloon is inserted and inflated to widen the artery, sometimes followed by a stent placement.
• Thrombolytic therapy: A drug is injected to dissolve clots blocking the artery.
• Catheter-based angiography: This diagnostic and therapeutic approach can improve blood flow during the same procedure.

Surgical Interventions (Severe Cases)

• Bypass surgery: Surgeons create a detour around the blocked artery using synthetic grafts.
• Thrombectomy: Removal of blood clots causing obstructions.

What Lifestyle Modifications Can Help Manage PAD?

Supervised lifestyle changes can support medical treatments. These include:

• Regular physical activity to improve circulation.
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption.

The top interventional radiologist in India often designs personalized plans that combine treatment with sustainable lifestyle modifications.

Why Choose Interventional Radiology in India for PAD Treatment?

Interventional radiology (IR) offers numerous benefits for peripheral artery disease treatment in India over traditional surgical methods, including:

• High precision
• Outpatient procedure
• Shorter recovery times
• Minimal risks of infection
• Fewer complications

Peripheral artery disease is manageable and treatable when addressed promptly. Don’t let PAD affect your mobility and quality of life. We have expert interventional radiologist in India offering personalized care plans for long-term health improvement. Book your appointment today for the best PAD treatment in India.

The procedure begins with the insertion of a catheter through a small incision, usually in the groin area. The catheter is guided up into the blood vessels of the brain using advanced imaging techniques for precision.

Once positioned at the site of narrowing, a balloon attached to the catheter is inflated, widening the affected artery. This process is known as angioplasty and helps restore normal blood flow.

Following this, a stent typically a small mesh tube is deployed to keep the artery open. The stent provides structural support and decreases the likelihood of re-narrowing over time.

Benefits:

• Improved Blood Flow: Intracranial angioplasty and stenting help to restore and improve blood flow in narrowed or blocked arteries within the brain, reducing the risk of ischemic strokes.
• Minimally Invasive Procedure: Compared to traditional open surgery, this procedure is minimally invasive, often requiring only small incisions and resulting in shorter recovery times for patients.
• Reduced Risk of Stroke: By addressing arterial blockages, the procedure significantly lowers the likelihood of stroke occurrences in patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic intracranial stenosis.
• Symptom Relief: Many patients experience relief from neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) following successful angioplasty and stenting.
• Preservation of Brain Tissue: Early intervention with angioplasty can prevent further damage to brain tissue by restoring adequate blood supply before irreversible injury occurs.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients often report an improvement in their overall quality of life post-procedure due to reduced symptoms and increased functional capacity in daily activities.

Who is the candidate for Intracranial Angioplasty and Stenting

Candidates for intracranial angioplasty and stenting typically include patients with specific vascular conditions affecting the brain. These may involve narrowed arteries, particularly those suffering from atherosclerosis or other forms of arterial stenosis.

Individuals experiencing recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or ischemic strokes due to significant carotid artery disease might benefit from this procedure. Those who are not suitable for traditional surgical interventions are often considered for angioplasty and stenting.

Patients with symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis, which can lead to reduced blood flow and increase stroke risk, are also prime candidates. Additionally, individuals who exhibit resistance to stringent medical therapy despite ongoing symptoms may find this option necessary for managing their condition.

Lastly, younger patients or those who are otherwise healthy with these vascular conditions may be more likely to receive consideration for the procedure, as it aims to restore normal blood flow and prevent future complications. Ultimately, the decision is made after a thorough evaluation by a specialist in neurovascular conditions.

Risks & Complications

• Stroke
• Bleeding
• Blood Clot
• New narrowing of the carotid artery (restenosis)

Interventional Radiology (IR) in Stroke Treatment

Interventional Radiology is essential in the realm of Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) and other minimally invasive procedures aimed at treating strokes. This specialty focuses on using cutting-edge imaging technology to guide therapeutic interventions.

Interventional radiologists are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in performing these intricate, image-guided procedures. Their expertise allows them to effectively diagnose and treat a range of vascular diseases, particularly those affecting the cardiovascular system.

In CAS procedures, interventional radiologists utilize advanced imaging techniques, such as angiography, to obtain clear visuals of blood flow within the arteries of the brain.

The Future of CAS and IR in Stroke Prevention

In recent years, advancements in medical technology have significantly transformed the landscape of stroke prevention. Carotid artery surgery (CAS), traditionally seen as a surgical approach for managing carotid artery stenosis, is evolving with newer techniques and improved patient outcomes. Endovascular procedures are becoming increasingly prominent, offering less invasive options that reduce recovery time and complications.

Interventional radiology (IR) plays a crucial role in these developments. By employing minimally invasive techniques, IR specialists can effectively diagnose and treat vascular conditions linked to strokes. The integration of cutting-edge imaging technologies ensures precise targeting during procedures, which enhances safety and efficacy.

Intracranial Stenosis: Real Culprit of Stroke

Intracranial stenosis refers to the narrowing of blood vessels within the brain. This condition can significantly increase the risk of stroke, a serious medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted.

One of the warning signs that may indicate intracranial stenosis is the occurrence of Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs). These episodes, often referred to as mini-strokes, present as temporary strokes with symptoms such as sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. Though TIAs are brief and typically last only a few minutes, they should not be ignored.

The underlying causes of intracranial stenosis often relate to atherosclerosis—where fatty deposits collect in the arteries, causing them to narrow. Other factors can include high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, all contributing to vascular damage over time.

How Intracranial Stenosis is Diagnosed?

• Medical History and Physical Examination: A thorough review of the patient’s medical history and physical examination is crucial. This includes discussing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and neurological symptoms that may indicate potential complications.
• Carotid Artery Ultrasound (Doppler): This non-invasive test uses sound waves to assess the flow of blood in the carotid arteries located in the neck. It helps determine if there is any blockages or significant narrowing that could affect blood supply to the brain.
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): MRA is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed images of blood vessels using strong magnetic fields and radio waves. It is particularly useful for visualizing intracranial vessels and assessing stenosis.
• Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA): Similar to MRA, CTA uses X-rays to create detailed images of blood vessels. This method can help identify areas of narrowing or blockage in both intracranial and extracranial arteries quickly.
• Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography: This specialized ultrasound technique measures blood flow velocity within the cerebral arteries by placing a probe on the skull. It can detect changes in blood flow patterns indicative of stenosis or other vascular abnormalities.
• Cerebral Angiography: Considered the gold standard for diagnosing intracranial stenosis, this invasive procedure involves threading a catheter through the bloodstream to inject contrast dye directly into the cerebral arteries, allowing for high-resolution imaging of vascular structures.

Understanding Intracranial Anatomy and Blood Flow

To understand Carotid Artery Stenosis (CAS), we need to look at the blood vessels that supply the brain.

The Brain’s Blood Supply:

The brain needs a constant flow of oxygen and nutrients. It gets its blood from two main arteries:

Internal Carotid Artery (ICA): Located on each side of the neck, the ICA branches into:

• Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA): Supplies blood to the front and middle parts of the brain, which are important for movement, thinking, and memory.
• Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA): The artery most often affected by strokes, it supplies the outer parts of the brain, which are vital for sensation, movement, language, and vision.

Vertebral Artery: These arteries come from the spine and join to form the basilar artery at the base of the skull. The basilar artery branches into:

• Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA): Supplies blood to the back of the brain, which is responsible for vision and spatial awareness.
• This network of arteries ensures a steady flow of oxygenated blood to different brain areas, supporting its complex functions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, intracranial angioplasty and stenting represent significant advancements in the treatment of cerebrovascular conditions, offering new hope for patients at risk of stroke or other complications due to narrowed or blocked arteries. These minimally invasive procedures have demonstrated promising outcomes in improving blood flow and reducing the need for more invasive surgical options. As research continues to evolve, understanding the benefits and potential risks associated with these interventions is crucial for both healthcare professionals and patients alike.

This means that varicose veins can cause discomfort, pain, and swelling, in addition to affecting the appearance of the legs. If these symptoms are not addressed in a timely manner, they may grow into severe issues like skin ulcers or even blood clots.

Several lifestyle factors contribute to developing varicose veins. For instance, standing or sitting for long periods puts extra pressure on leg veins. Furthermore, obesity and sedentary living make this situation worse.

Regular physical activity can significantly improve circulation in the legs. By being active, people can reduce their chances of having ugly-looking swollen vessels and develop better vascular health overall.

Causes of Varicose Veins in Adults

Below is a list of factors leading to varicose veins in adults:

• Genetics: A family history of varicose veins can significantly increase the likelihood of developing them due to inherited weaknesses in vein structure.
• Age: As people age, their veins lose elasticity, making it harder to effectively transport blood back to the heart, increasing the risk of varicosities.
• Obesity: Extra body mass causes additional strain on leg veins that can result in valve failure and finally lead to varicose veins.
• Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Jobs or activities involving extended periods of standing or sitting may impede blood flow and contribute towards the development of varicose veins.
• Hormonal Imbalance: During pregnancy, menopause, or due to hormone therapy, there are fluctuations in hormones that weaken vein walls, leading them to increase their chances of developing varicosities.
• Lack of Physical Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle hampers proper circulation and contributes to weakened venous walls, which makes regular exercise vital for vein health.

Symptoms

• Visible Enlarged Veins: The most apparent sign is the appearance of bulging, twisted veins that are commonly dark purple or primarily blue and are found on the legs and feet region.
• Leg Pain or Discomfort: Many people experience aching sensations, heaviness, and cramps in their lower extremities, especially after being on their feet for long durations.
• Swelling in the Legs and Ankles: Poor circulation leads to swelling, while increased pressure within the veins causes swelling, especially after long days standing on your feet.
• Skin Changes: Over time, defective valves permit backward flow down these superficial channels, resulting in skin textural changes, discoloration, and itching and dryness around the affected area.
• Restless Legs Syndrome: Some individuals may experience an uncomfortable urge to move their legs at night due to discomfort caused by varicose veins.
• Ulcers or Sores: In severe cases, individuals may develop ulcers or sores near the ankles due to chronic venous insufficiency related to varicose veins.

Consult a doctor if you have severe pain, swelling, skin changes, or notice problems like ulcers or blood clots. Getting diagnosed and treated early can help manage your symptoms and stop them from worsening.

How does embolization work?

Endovascular embolization is a minimally invasive procedure often used to treat vascular conditions by intentionally obstructing blood flow to specific vessels. Typically, a catheter is placed through a tiny incision made in either the groin or forearm. The physician navigates the catheter through the intricate network of blood vessels to reach the target site using advanced imaging technologies such as fluoroscopy or digital subtraction angiography.

Once positioned, various materials, from coils and particles to liquid agents, are deployed through the catheter to induce blockage in selected blood vessels. This can effectively reduce blood supply to tumors, manage aneurysms, or control bleeding. After achieving successful embolization, careful monitoring follows; patients often experience quicker recovery times than traditional surgery and can typically return home within hours. This approach minimizes trauma, reduces complications, and enhances precision in targeting areas of concern without affecting surrounding tissues. The evolving techniques and tools available for endovascular embolization continue to expand its applications across various medical fields, making it an exciting realm of patient care innovation.

Post-Embolization Care

Here are some things to consider for the aftercare of endovascular embolization:

Follow-Up Appointments: Always make sure you set your doctor’s appointments as required after treatment so that he can monitor your progress toward healing and determine whether you were successfully treated.

Medication Management: Comply with all recommended medications such as painkillers, blood thinners, antibiotics, etc.

Activity Restrictions: Follow the instructions for physical activities, and do no heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a certain period to allow proper healing.

Monitoring for Complications: Watch out for abnormal pain at the insertion site, swelling, or excessive bleeding, as these could indicate complications that require you to see your doctor immediately.

Dietary Considerations: Follow a balanced diet to promote healing; avoid alcohol and foods that are high in sodium or fat, as outlined by your physician.

Hydration and Rest: Ensure enough fluids and rest during the early stages of recovery, which help in natural body healing processes.

These instructions will help you recover better with fewer problems. Call your doctor immediately if you feel worried about anything or notice unusual symptoms.

Conclusion

Therefore, endovascular embolization is an amazing procedure that is highly beneficial in addressing diverse vascular diseases. By using minimally invasive techniques, this method cuts down on the time needed to recover while minimizing risks, unlike traditional surgical approaches. Technological advancements have kept improving embolization, thus enabling more people to escape from debilitating signs. People with such medical conditions should consult doctors before starting treatment to find out if this is the best option. Consultation with your doctor may assist in making healthier decisions from today onwards.

Pulmonary embolism or PE, can be a silent threat to our lives. But there is hope and help through awareness and rapid response.

Imagine tiny clots disrupting the flow of life with in us. When these clots reach our lungs, it’s a call for swift intervention.

If you or someone who experiences sudden difficulty in breathing or chest discomfort, don’t ignore it. Seek help immediately.

Meet the Pulmonary Embolism interventions Response Team (PEiRT) at Medanta Hospital dedicated group of medical professionals trained to act promptly when minutes matter the most.

PEiRT is equipped with the knowledge and tools to dissolve clots, restoring the rhythm of life and ensuring a brighter future.

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Faculty: Dr Tarun Grover & Dr Virender Sheorain, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, Haryana

Know the Faculty:

Dr Tarun Grover: He has been bestowed the honor of “first fellow in Vascular & Endovascular Surgery”, accredited by the national board of examinations. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt of India. His experience as Vascular & Endovascular specialist & an expert at vascular duplex imaging spans for almost over 16 years now. He has had enormous training & teaching experience in past two decades included trainings like the awarded vascular fellowship at St Mary’s London UK (Intravascular), Vascular Fellowship at Regional vascular Centre, Porz, Cologne, Germany, The Ethicon Institute, Cordis Endovascular Fellowship (Australia). He has many honors & has played Key opinion leader on many National & International deep veins thrombosis forums & conferences.

Dr Virender Sheorain: he is an endovascular specialist trained from world renowned universities viz. George Washington University Medical Centre & university of Tennessee Health Science Center in US. He specializes in Endovascular treatment of various vascular disorders. He holds expertise in aortoilliac & peripheral endovascular interventions, venous access interventions (percutaneous hemodialysis catheter placement, AV Fistula maturation, AV Graft declotting recanalization pf anastomotic & central occlusion) endovascular treatment of vascular malformation & hemangioma, uterine artery embolization for fibroids & non fibroids etiologies. He has performed large number of complex endovascular cases & has brought his experience at Medanta

Agenda:

• Welcome & Introduction
• Lecture- Catheter Based Access
• Lecture- Salvaging AV Access
• Complex case discussion- managing complex fistuloplasty
• Managing AV Access for team based approach
• Lecture will include introduction to hardware, ideal cathlab setup & case discussions

Details to login:

• Download the Microsoft Teams App on your laptop or Mobile Phone
• Click on the below link
• Select Join

If you have not received the link, you can share your email id on below mentioned mail ids:

Divya.chanana@bd.com (Divya-9899762345)

Shivangi.tiwari@bd.com (Shivangi- 9167965532)

Blood clots (thrombus) are not as uncommon as one thinks and even though they usually dissolve on their own, there is an equal probability that they can travel to other parts of the body like lungs or heart and lead to stroke or cardiac arrest. The most common sign of thrombosis that one tends to ignore is the shooting, persistent pain in the leg. This is because clots cannot be easily spotted and can feel like a noticeable swelling in one leg or inflammation in the leg or arm. Therefore, these signs should not be overlooked basis self-diagnosis and medical intervention should be sought immediately.

Understanding thrombosis

Thrombosis is an abnormal blood clot that forms in the artery or vein and is the one disorder which causes the top three cardiovascular killers, namely, heart attack, stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE) mostly found in the legs, known as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and lungs (Pulmonary embolism). The clots are formed through a series of chemical reactions between special blood cells (platelets) and proteins (clotting factors) in blood preventing it from flowing normally through the circulatory system.

According to The Association of Physicians of India, venous thromboembolism (VTE) has higher incidence in the South Indian population as compared to the rest of the population. Higher incidence of VTE have been reported among soldiers posted in high altitude regions of Himalayan ranges. However, there is limited data about the magnitude of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Indian population.

Types of thrombosis

Thrombosis is primarily of two types- venous thrombosis caused due a blood clot in the veins (which carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart) and arterial thrombosis caused by a blood clot in the arteries (which carry oxygenated blood from heart to all organs of the body). Their effect on the body depends on the type and location of the clot.

Venous thrombosis

When a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the arms or legs it is called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). If not prevented or detected early, DVT can cause serious medical problems. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is another type of venous thrombosis when the blood clot in the deep vein of the arms or legs breaks away and travels to the lungs. Together, DVT and PE are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Arterial thrombosis

If a blood clots form in an artery in the heart, it may cut off the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart resulting in a heart attack. Stroke is caused when a blood clot occurs in an artery leading to the brain, disrupting the blood supply.

Risk factors

Blood clots can happen to anyone at any age and sometimes they are not accompanied by warning signs or symptoms, thereby making detection difficult. Therefore, being aware of the risk factors and symptoms can help prevent the formation of a blood clot.

What causes the clots to form?

Blood flow through the veins is helped along by movement of the muscles which squeeze the veins.

Most clots occur because of three factors:

• Reduced flow in the vein (stasis)
• Damage to the vein walls (Endothelial damage)
• Changes that result in making the blood sticky and more likely to clot (hypercoagulability)

Risk factors for blood clots

Immobility

• Family history of blood clots
• More than two-thirds of the blood clots in the legs result from being in the hospital and is the leading cause of preventable hospital deaths
• Using certain medications which make the blood hypercoagulable
• Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth
• Patients who have undergone surgeries for hip, knee or cancer
• Disease or injury to the leg veins
• Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol
• Poor diet and lack of activity

Warning signs

• Unexplained shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Light-headedness or passing out
• Chest pain (may be worse with deep breaths)
• Sudden onset of swelling and cramp in legs often beginning from the calf
• Redness of the leg or arm
• Warmth and tenderness

Treatment

DVT and PE are serious, life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention. The damage caused by blood clots is usually treated through anti-coagulants, commonly known as blood thinners. These help decrease the clotting power of blood, thereby preventing growth and propagation of a clot. The common blood thinners are heparin, low molecular weight heparin, warfarin and many newer oral anticoagulants like rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban. While the first two (heparin, LMWH) are administered through an injection, rest are taken orally.

If detected early (within 2 weeks), they can also be dissolved by admitting in the hospital through certain injectable medicines known as thrombolytics. If the blood thinners cannot be given to patients for some reasons, a filter can be implanted in the main vein (Inferior Vena Cava) temporarily which is to be taken out once the blood thinners can be started.

Prevention

The best way to prevent blood clots is to keep moving as immobility increases the risk of developing a blood clot in the legs. Professionals who often sit at their desks for long hours or travel for extended duration must take short breaks in between to stretch themselves and walk around as this is important for maintaining a healthy blood flow.

Keeping other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol in check is also important. Apart from these, consumption of natural blood thinners such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, cayenne peppers, Vitamin E and grape seed extracts can aid prevention. For patients who are hospitalised, assessing the risk of a blood clot becomes very crucial so that preventive measures can be undertaken during and post the hospital stay.
Remember these important points to help reduce your risk of a DVT:

• Keep moving – avoid prolonged periods of immobility such as sitting for many hours
• Get up and walk around, at least every 90 minutes
• Do regular feet and leg exercises
• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Keep well hydrated
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking

Consult a vascular surgeon for more information and report early if any symptoms are noted in yourself or any near or dear ones, to treat it completely and avoid serious complications.

This article’s author, Tarun Grover, is the Director at Peripheral Vascular and Endovascular Sciences, Medanta, the Medicity.

Sources: https://www.firstpost.com/tech/science/world-thrombosis-day-2019-everything-you-need-to-know-about-blood-clots-7491431.html