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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

• HealthierLife: Deep Vein Thrombosis: Natural and Effective Options for Coping

• The Blog That Ate Manhattan: Thoughts on the Contraceptive Patch and Blood Clot Risks (February 6, 2008)

• Health Blog (WSJ): Blood Clot Prevention Lacking for Many Hospital Patients (February 1, 2008)

• The Cancer Blog: FDA Approves Medicine for Blood Clots (July 9, 2007)

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