Though they are considered to be a natural part of healing, blood clots can be extremely dangerous. A blood clot can result in stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, disabling injuries in the limbs and in some cases, death. It is possible for blood clots to travel through the circulatory system after breaking loose. If this happens, they can cause a blockage, which restricts the flow of blood to the vital organs.
Significance
Coagulation, or the natural tendency of the blood to clump, is what forms blood clots. The clots are made up of fibrin strands and blood cells. After injury, the clots serve as a way to stop blood flow and they play an important part in wound healing. One example of how this works is evident when a person cuts himself. When the cut occurs, blood flows from the damaged vessel for a little while before the initiation of the clotting process, which starts almost instantly.
Function
A blood clot forms when the blood platelets collect to form a "plug" at the site of the cut or other injury. In turn, a number of chemicals which promote and enhance clotting are released from the platelets. Once enough platelets have gathered to form the plug and it is secure, a stronger blood clot is formed when a fibrin "mesh" forms at the injury site. At the tissue in and around the injury hears, this fibrin, along with the platelets, will stay in place. Once the injury has healed, other chemicals will dissolve the blood clot.
Considerations
Blood clots are not normally dangerous. However, if they break loose and travel through the circulatory system, they can become very dangerous and perhaps even deadly, if they cause a blockage. When this happens, patients are prescribed medications called anticoagulants or anti-platelets. These medications help to thin the blood, therefore helping to break up the blood clots.
If medication does not work in the treating the clots, surgery to remove them is sometimes necessary.
Misconceptions
There is no limit to where blood clots can form. It is possible for them to form in any artery or vein within the body. This includes the veins in the legs and the arteries that help get blood to the heart. These are particularly dangerous because death can come quickly if a clot is found in the carotid or coronary arteries. If blood flow is restricted to either the heart or the brain, it is most often a fatal case. In addition, a gradual buildup of plaque in an artery can also form a blood clot.
Prevention/Solution
Blood clots are a serious, scary condition. There are ways to prevent the formation of the clots, though. Most doctors will tell you that regular exercise is the most common way in which to prevent clots from forming. By exercising, you are promoting good blood circulation, therefore, the blood does not have a chance to coagulate and form clots. Medication is also a good form of treatment. As stated, anti-platelets or anticoagulants can be prescribed to thin the blood and help promote better circulation. If you suspect that you may have a clot, see your doctor immediately.
Tags: blood clot, blood clots, blood flow, cause blockage, circulatory system, form plug, they cause