Thrombosis, embolism and ischaemia Flashcards
1
Q
Summarise the process of haemostasis
A
- Damage to vascular wall causes vascular spasm
- Platelet plug forms around injury and activates coagulation cascade
- Pro-thrombin —> Thrombin —> Fibrin
- Fibrin helps forms stable haemostatic plug (clot)
2
Q
What is the triad of factors which increase risk of a thrombus forming?
A
- Hypercoaguable state
- Venous stasis
- Damage to vascular wall
3
Q
What are the causes of a hypercoagulable state?
A
Thrombophillia, Inflammatory conditions, oestrogen hormones,
4
Q
What are the causes of venous stasis?
A
Obesity, immobilisation, pregnancy
5
Q
What are the causes of vascular damage?
A
Atherosclerosis, catheter, trauma
6
Q
How is a DVT diagnosed?
A
- Clinical probability (Wells score)
- Fibrin D-dimer levels on blood test
- Venous imaging
7
Q
What is the biggest complication of a DVT?
A
Pulmonary embolism
8
Q
What is the treatment of DVT?
A
- Anticoagulants: Warfarin and Heparin
- Compression stockings
