Thrombosis is a condition in which blood clots form in blood vessels, which can lead to serious health problems. Here are some important facts about thrombosis:
What is thrombosis? Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a blood vessel, disrupting normal blood flow. This can happen in any blood vessel in the body, but is most common in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Causes of thrombosis: Thrombosis can be caused by several factors, including prolonged immobility, injury to blood vessels, surgery, pregnancy, smoking, obesity, hormonal contraception and genetic predisposition. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease and autoimmune disorders, are also at increased risk for thrombosis.