Blood Clots

Blood clots, or thrombi, are a natural result from the coagulation of the blood turning from liquid to solid during the healing process from a cut, scratch, scrape or even surgery. As the wound heals, a clump is formed to halt bleeding. Without clotting, a person would die from bleeding too much. A scab eventually forms over the injured area.

Fast Facts

1. Common types: DVT, PE
2. Can cause stroke
3. Can cause heart attack
4. Can cause miscarriage
5. Can be life threatening
6. Can cause sudden blindness if in the eye
7. Cancer patients at higher risk
8. Can result from chemotherapy
9. Blood thinners decrease risks
10. Treatment: exercise, clot dissolving drugs, surgery as a last resort
11. Thrombophlebitis: swelling of vein from blood clots
12. Hypercoagulation: a genetic tendency to clot too much
13. Prevention: Avoid prolonged sitting, raise up and down on calves, raise and lower toes leaving heel on floor, drink plenty of fluids, elevate legs

Dangers

However, blood clots can become dangerous without an injury if the blood clot breaks away and travels through the body. An embolism occurs when the blood clot travels to a major organ.

Most Common

One of the most common types of blood clots is deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis mainly forms in the calves and thighs. Some causes of blood clots occur from sitting in one position too long, birth control pills, and childbirth.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions increase the risk of blood clots like a heart attack, surgery, chemotherapy, bone fractures and genetic diseases.

Statistics

Blood clots kill an estimated 300,000 in the United States each year. Blood clots in the lungs kill an estimated 200,000 people each year.

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Blood Clots, please consult your doctor.

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