July 17, 2020 | You’ve just cut your finger. As you gently squeeze the cut, a clot begins to form and the bleeding slowly stops. This is a normal response to such an injury. Unfortunately, too much clotting can block blood vessels that are not bleeding. For this reason, the body has control mechanisms to limit clotting and dissolve clots that are no longer needed. An abnormality in any part of this system that controls bleeding can lead to excessive bleeding or excessive clotting, both of which can be dangerous. When clotting is poor, even a slight injury to a blood vessel may lead to severe blood loss. When clotting is excessive, small blood vessels in critical places can become clogged with clots. Clogged vessels in the brain can cause strokes, and clogged vessels leading to the heart can cause heart attacks. Pieces of clots from veins in the legs, pelvis, or abdomen can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and block major arteries there, a condition called a pulmonary embolism.

July 17, 2020 | When a blood clot forms, it can be stationary and block blood flow. That’s called a thrombosis. It can also break loose and travel to various parts of the body, a condition called an embolism. There are two different types of clots. Arterial clots are those that form in the arteries. Once arterial clots form, they cause symptoms immediately. Because this type of clot prevents oxygen from reaching vital organs, it can cause a variety of complications like stroke, heart attack, paralysis and intense pain. Venous clots are those that form in the veins. Venous clots typically form slowly over a period of time. Symptoms of venous clots gradually become more noticeable. You should seek emergency medical care if you suddenly develop shortness of breath or pain extending to your shoulder, arm, back or jaw. Other symptoms of a possible blood clot include a rapid heartbeat, numbness in the face, an arm or leg and sudden blurred, double or decreased vision.

July 17, 2020 | Blood clots can be life-threatening depending on its location and the severity of them. Blood clots can occur in many different parts of the body and each area will have different symptoms. A blood clot in the legs or arms will cause pain or cramping, swelling, tenderness, warmth to the touch and bluish- or red-colored skin. Blood clots in the heart can cause pain in the chest and left arm, sweating and difficulty breathing. The most common symptoms of a blood clot in the lungs include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain and a cough. Other symptoms that may or may not appear are sweating, discolored skin, swelling in the legs, irregular heartbeat and/or pulse and dizziness. Patients with blood clots in their brains can experience problems with their vision or speech, seizures and general weakness. The symptoms of abdominal blood clots, meanwhile, can include abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea and/or bloody stools.

July 17, 2020 | Blood clots are treated differently depending on the location of the clot and the patient’s overall health. If you are experiencing symptoms and suspect you may have a blood clot, it’s a good idea to see a doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe an anticoagulant, a medication that prevents clots from forming. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo catheter-directed thrombolysis, a procedure that delivers clot busting drugs to the site of the clot, or have surgery to remove the clot. If you are diagnosed with a deep venous clot, you will be put on blood thinning medication to help thin your blood and allow it to pass more easily past the site of the clot. Your doctor may ask you to undergo a procedure called inferior vena cava filter placement. This is recommended for patients who are at high risk for blood clots. A filter is placed into your vein to help prevent blood clot fragments from traveling through the veins to the heart or lungs.

July 17, 2020 | People who suffer from excessive blood clotting, a condition in which blood clots form too easily or don’t dissolve properly, should know the signs of a possible problem clot. They should seek medical care immediately if they have any such signs. Their doctor may prescribe anticoagulants, or blood thinners, to prevent blood clots or to keep them from getting larger. To reduce the risk of developing a blood clot, avoid sitting for long periods. When traveling by airplane, walk the aisle periodically. And when it comes to car trips, stop and walk around frequently. And talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes that can help you stay healthy. Ask whether the foods you eat might interfere with your medicines. If you take warfarin, some foods can increase or decrease the effect of the medicine. Discuss with your doctor what amount of alcohol is safe for you if you’re taking medicine. If you smoke, ask your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit.