Arterial thrombosis

Question 1

what is arterial thrombosis

Answer 1

clot in arteries that can block blood flow to organs usually due to atherosclerosis

Question 2

risk factors for arterial thrombosis

Answer 2

high fat diet
low exercise/ obesity
diabetes/ high cholesterol/ high BP
smoking
alcohol

Question 3

What medical conditions can cause arterial thrombosis

Answer 3

AF
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Question 4

Symptoms + signs of arterial thrombosis

Answer 4

depends on location
pain, swollen unilateral limbs
weakness, numbness, slurred speech, confusion (stroke)
chest pain,SOB,neck/jaw pain (CAD)

Question 5

investigations for arterial thrombosis

Answer 5

first line
troponin (check for MI)
ECG (AF/ MI)

Ultrasound of arteries
angiography (X-ray of arteries) - dye into arteries to locate clot

Question 6

management of arterial thrombosis

Answer 6

acute
1. thrombolytics/fibrinolytics
2. surgery
carotid artery bypass
carotid endarterectomy (remove plaque)
carotid angioplasty (stent/balloon to widen arteries)

chronic-
anticoagulants - heparin
statins - low cholesterol
lifestyle changes (healthier diet, exercise, stop smoking)

Question 7

complications of arterial thrombosis

Answer 7

heart attack (MI)
strokes

Question 8

prognosis of arterial thrombosis

Answer 8

life-threatening without immediate treatment