Understanding Coronary Thrombosis

Loved ones, coworkers, and millions of viewers are mourning the loss of NBC's Tim Russert, who died suddenly while at work on June 13. The cause of death has been reported as a coronary thrombosis, but do you know what that term really means?

When a thrombosis occurs anywhere in the body, it means that there is a blood clot that has formed in a vessel, preventing normal blood flow function. This blood clot is referred to as a thrombus. There are different forms of thrombosis, including cavernous sinus thrombosis, renal vein thrombosis, and deep vein thrombosis. The major vein in the cavernous sinus cavity is critical because it carries blood from the brain and face to the heart; a thrombosis would occur when a blood clot forms in this vein. When a blood clot forms in the vein that drains blood from the kidney, this is referred to as renal vein thrombosis.

Most people have heard of deep vein thrombosis, which occurs in the "deep veins" of the legs. Blood flows from superficial veins near the surface of the skin to the deep veins found in the muscles of the legs. When a blood clot forms in these deep veins, parts of it can break away from the thrombus in the leg and travel to the heart and lungs. The clot, while in the leg, is not in itself dangerous, but once it travels to the heart and lungs, it becomes life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Risk factors for this form of thrombosis are long-term sitting or lying due to long travel periods, injury, or patients who are bedridden. Some medications like birth control pills can increase the risk for clots to form.

Coronary thrombosis, the form Russert died from, occurs in the heart. When a clot forms in one of the major arteries of the heart, blood cannot flow to the necessary tissue. The tissue will die if emergency treatment is unable to dissolve the clot in time. This is what causes many heart attacks. Atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, can cause these clots to develop. The plaque is made up of fat and cholesterol, and can eventually cause the arteries to narrow and harden. If this plaque ruptures, it can also lead the blood clot to rupture, blocking essential blood flow to the heart. Atherosclerosis is not just something older people need to be concerned about; although the plaque buildup is gradual over time, it can begin at around age 20. To see real images of what this plaque looks like in the arteries, go here.

Symptoms of a coronary thrombosis are what you probably already associate with a heart attack:

-Sharp pain in the chest that may spread to left arm

-Pain in hands, jaw, and stomach

-Feeling of constriction in throat

-Breathing difficulties

-Sudden feelings of dizziness or faintness

These symptoms can sometimes be caused by other conditions, but if you or someone around you is experiencing them, don't take the time to figure that out. Immediately call for emergency care. To have a chance to survive a heart attack, treatment must be administered as soon as possible.