A blood clot that forms in a vessel or cavity of the heart is called a thrombus. It poses a great danger to the body. It is the thrombus in the heart that causes such deadly diseases as stroke and myocardial infarction. No less dangerous is the separation of the thrombus, which leads to the development of pulmonary embolism.
The causes of thrombus in the heart
The appearance of thrombi is due to the protective reaction of the body. Blood clots clog the site of the vascular injury, thereby preventing blood loss. There is a thrombus only if there are simultaneously such factors:
- decrease in the rate of movement of blood;
- damage to the inner surface of the vessel;
- increase in the viscosity of the blood.
As the healing progresses, the thrombus dissolves. But the alarm is sounded when the vessel is restored, and the thrombus is left.
Symptoms of a blood clot in the heart
Depending on the location of the thrombus, the symptoms may be different:
- The presence of a thrombus in the left atrium with a lumen is accompanied by fainting, prolonged dizziness, rapid pulse, tachycardia and gangrene of the fingers.
- When the vessel is completely clogged, the pallor of the skin, its cyanosis, dyspnea, a decrease in pressure, a slight palpation of the pulse is observed.
- If there was a separation of a blood clot in the heart on the right side, thromboembolism may develop. This condition is characterized by suffocation, lung necrosis and death.
What if there is a thrombus in the heart?
The patient can for a long time not suspect the existence of a thrombus. If he often encounters crises and other symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Only thrombus can be detected by ultrasound examination. But quite often it is found only after autopsy.
In the case of a crisis, the consequence of which is clinical death, it is necessary to conduct an indirect massage of the heart and to restore breathing by the technique "mouth to mouth".
Treatment of a blood clot in the heart
The relief of this condition is complicated by the fact that taking blood thinners does not help. These funds only prevent further growth of thrombus. Obligatory treatment is the disease caused by a thrombus (heart attack, rheumatism). If necessary, an operation is performed to remove the thrombus from the heart.
It is important to follow preventive measures:
- Fill your diet with blood thinning products (oranges and lemons).
- Avoid fatty foods.
- To moderate the rhythm of life.
- Do physical exercises that are suitable for age and general health.