LIFEBLOOD - THE THROMBOSIS CHARITY

What is thrombosis?
Thrombosis is the clotting of blood within a blood vessel. It occurs when a blood clot blocks a vein or an artery, obstructing or stopping the flow of blood. Thrombosis can occur anywhere in the body’s bloodstream. There are two main types of thrombosis:

• venous thrombosis, which is a blood clot that develops in a vein, and
• arterial thrombosis, which is a blood clot that develops in an artery.

One of the most common types of venous thrombosis is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body.
Arterial thrombosis often occurs in arteries that supply the heart, resulting in a heart attack. It can also occur in the arteries of the brain, causing a stroke.
Sometimes a blood clot (or part of one) can come away from its original site and travel through the bloodstream. If this occurs, the clot can become lodged in another part of the body. This is known as an embolism. A blood clot that lodges in one of the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism.

Who is affected by thrombosis?
Thrombosis is a widespread condition and a leading cause of death in the UK. Every year, one in every 1,000 people in the UK is affected by venous thrombosis.
Anyone can be affected by thrombosis, although it usually develops in older people and becomes more common with age. As well as age, there are a number of other factors that make developing thrombosis more likely, including:

• family history, 
• inactivity, and 
• obesity.

Thrombosis often has few or no symptoms, and is sometimes referred to as a silent condition. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and risk factors of thrombosis. There are several things that you can do to help prevent the condition occurring.
More information about thrombosis including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention can be found on the NHS Choices website at www.iow.nhs.uk

About Lifeblood - The Thrombosis Charity   http://www.thrombosis-charity.org.uk/cms/index.php
The Thrombosis Charity wishes to increase awareness of thrombosis among the public and health professionals and to raise research funds to improve patient care through improved prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolic disease. Many people are unaware of the high-risk situations that can lead to thrombosis, and it could be argued that most adults are potentially at risk some time during their lives.
Lifeblood was established by a group of people who recognise the need to promote awareness about thrombosis and to increase understanding of its causes, effects and the treatment available.

Thrombosis has been – and remains – a major cause of death in the United Kingdom yet astonishingly, this fact is not widely known. Most people have little or no understanding about the causes and effects of thrombosis, and how it can be prevented. It is for this reason that Lifeblood: The Thrombosis Charity was founded in February 2002. The charity is governed by seven trustees, supported by a multi-disciplinary group, who are recognised as leaders in thrombosis care and research within the UK.

Information for Professionals
The professional section offers healthcare professionals an extensive resource to stay up to date with the latest developments in the management of venous thromboembolism http://www.thrombosis-charity.org.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=10&Itemid=107

Information for the Public
Useful information about thrombosis is available on the Lifeblood website at http://www.thrombosis-charity.org.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=9&Itemid=82