The blood pumping through your body is in constant motion. It moves through the arteries to every part of your body, bringing oxygen and nutrients. The veins return the blood to the heart. Blood is made of red blood cells that contain oxygen-carrying hemoglobin, white blood cells for fighting infection, plasma with fluids, chemicals, and proteins, and platelets for clotting.
Clotting is an important function of blood for repairing injured blood vessels. A blood clot is known as a thrombus. Blood clots for repairing damage to the body are normal and harmless. However, unneeded thrombi can form and have a dangerous outcome.
Blood leakage from blood vessels due to a wound leads to a clot that stops the bleeding. This clotting is necessary for the body to recover.
Venous thrombosis can occur when a person is not moving much. The blood becomes stagnant and forms clots against the walls, which can eventually begin to block the vein.
Arterial thrombi form due to plaque in the artery lining. The vessels become narrow and increase risk for heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. A rupture in the plaque can lead to a blood clot and block blood flow at that point.
Blood clots can form in the heart when atrial fibrillation is present. The irregular beat allows stagnant blood to build up in the atrium. Blood clots can form in the heart.
Normal blood clots can cause other medical problems. If bleeding occurs in the urine, a clot can block the bladder and lead to urinary retention. Blood clots in the uterus can cause pain.
High risk factors for blood clots include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Cancer treatment
- Family history
- Immobility due to illness, injury, pregnancy, or sitting during long trips
- Genetic errors in the body’s clotting mechanism
If you are at risk for blood clots that could lead to heart attack, stroke, or other dangerous conditions, talk to our doctors at JFK Medical Center in the Heart and Vascular center. You can visit us online to learn more about Deep Vein Thrombosis and other blood clotting problems. You can also call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-800-616-1927 to learn how you can protect yourself and your heart.
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