National Day for the Fight and Prevention of Thrombosis Highlights Health Care

On September 16, the National Day for the Fight and Prevention of Thrombosis is celebrated, established by Law No. 12,629/2012. The date aims to raise public awareness about the disease, reduce undiagnosed cases, and encourage evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies. The State Department of Public Health of Pará (Sespa) reinforces the importance of recognizing risks and adopting preventive measures as a way to maintain vascular health.

According to the Ministry of Health, the date also seeks to strengthen health care systems, ensuring better practices for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as encouraging research aimed at reducing the burden of thrombotic disease in the country.

Thrombosis is characterized by the formation of clots within blood vessels, which can be arterial or venous, with venous thrombosis in the lower limbs being more common. Among the main symptoms are sudden onset pain, swelling (edema), and redness in the affected limb.

According to vascular surgeon Moisés do Carmo Bastos, coordinator of vascular surgery services at the Abelardo Santos Metropolitan Hospital and the Public Regional Hospital of Caetés, attention to the signs is crucial.

“Thrombosis is considered a silent disease because its symptoms can start imperceptibly, progressively evolving with pain, edema, and redness. Often, the patient takes time to seek care, which increases the risks of complications,” said Dr. Moisés, who is also a physician on the clinical staff of the João de Barros Barreto University Hospital and the Amazon Hospital.

“The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more effective the treatment will be,” emphasizes the specialist.
Among the most common risk factors are the use of oral contraceptives, smoking, long trips (lasting more than three hours), postoperative periods, the presence of varicose veins in the lower limbs, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and cases associated with neoplasms.

Prevention involves simple habits and appropriate medical care. “Ideally, a patient at risk should have an evaluation with a vascular surgeon or angiologist. In some cases, just wearing compression stockings is sufficient, while in others, the use of anticoagulants may be necessary. Staying hydrated and engaging in physical activity are also fundamental measures to reduce the risk of thrombosis,” advises Dr. Moisés Bastos.

The diagnosis is made through a physical examination combined with color Doppler ultrasound. Treatment varies according to the case and may include the use of oral anticoagulants or, in specific situations, endovascular methods: such as inferior vena cava filters, fibrinolytics, and thrombectomy catheters.

In Pará, according to data from the Hospital Information System of the SUS (SIH/SUS), 882 hospitalizations for thrombosis were recorded in 2024. From January to July 2025, another 553 hospitalizations have already been accounted for in the state.

To ensure access to diagnosis and treatment through the Unified Health System (SUS), the patient should seek a Basic Health Unit (UBS), where they will be evaluated by a general practitioner. Based on this evaluation, the patient may be referred to a specialist in reference hospitals, ensuring proper follow-up and medications to prevent complications.