7. Accumulation of red blood
cells leads to the formation
of a thrombus (blood clot)
8. Eventually, a thrombus can
completely block the blood flow
through a vein
Build-up of pressure
9. Prolonged immobilization
Calf muscles do not contract and the blood circulation is
decreased
Secondary hypercoagulation will occur. It is an
abnormal process of blood clotting due to other risk
factors.
FYI – Primary hypercoagulation occurs due to genes.
Thrombosis will occur, forming a thrombus
10. Thrombus
A solid mass of blood
constituents (eg.
platelets, red blood cells)
Through the process THROMBOSIS, it is formed
within a vessel that obstructs the normal blood flow.
11. Venous Thrombi
:
• Eg. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A condition
Consistently blocks the
lumen of the vein over
a length of time.
12. Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
[DVT]
Pain or tenderness in area
Warmth in skin
Red or discoloured skin
Swelling of lower leg or vein
19. Pulmonary Embolism
• Blockage of smaller vessels in the lungs
• Caused by Deep Vein Thrombosis, where the
blood clot in the veins break off and travel
through the bloodstream
• The blood clot will now travel to the heart
• From the heart, it will be lodged in the
vessel of the lung
• Hence, this is known as pulmonary
embolism
20. Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
(PE)
Shortness of breath
Sudden sharp pain in chest
Dizziness
Rapid/Irregular heartbeat
Coughing with blood
Referral to Doctor
21. Consequences of Pulmonary
Embolism
• More than 60% of total pulmonary
vasculature may be obstructed
• This can cause sudden death, acute right
heart failure (acute cor pulmonale) or
cardiovascular collapse.
• Other consequences include pulmonary
infarction and pulmonary haemorrhage.
• An uncommon case will be pulmonary
hypertension due to multiple emboli.