We Know: All About Blood ClotsWhat are blood clots?Blood clots occur when blood coagulates inside a blood vessel to stop bleeding during an injury. Blood clots are comprised of platelets and fibrin, which come together at the site of the injury to form a plug, or clot. What types of blood clots exist?There are two types of blood clots. The first type, called the thrombus, forms in the blood vessel or heart and stays in the same location. The second, and more dangerous type, is the embolus, which has dislodged from its original location and travels to another location, impeding blood flow and leading to an embolism. What happens in clotting?When an injury to the blood vessel occurs, platelets aggregate at the site of injury to block the outflow of blood and send out signals to activate the coagulants (clotting factors such as calcium ions, vitamin K, and fibrinogen). When platelets detect the presence of air, they disassemble and react with fibrinogen to form the protein fibrin. Fibrin and platelets prevent blood from flowing out. When this web hardens, a clot is formed. An external clot is known as a scab. An internal clot is known as a bruise. What are some of the dangers of blood clots?A clot normally forms over a wound to prevent blood loss and dissolve when the wound has healed. However, clots can form within blood vessels and not dissolve, causing blockage of the vein or artery and impeding blood flow. Excess plaque in the arteries or veins often results in the formation of these types of clots. Blockage deprives tissues of their sources of oxygen, causing ischemia or tissue death (as in strokes and heart attacks). Conditions or surgeries that can cause or lead to the formation of dangerous clots include:
What are the symptoms associated with an embolus?The symptoms depend on where the clot occurs. Usually, an individual will suffer sharp and sudden pains in the affected areas. If the clot occurs in the brain, neural functions may be affected (such as vision, behavior, and speech). Abdominal clots can induce vomiting or diarrhea. A clot in the lung can increase heart rate. A bluish discoloration of the limbs could indicate the formation of a clot in the arms or legs. How are blood clots diagnosed?Blood clots are diagnosed using:
How are blood clots treated?To reduce the risk of developing dangerous blood clots (embolisms), doctors will prescribe the anticoagulants Heparin and Warfarin. Doctors may have to perform surgery to remove the clot if medication does not work. |
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