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A blood clot develops when blood converts from a free-flowing liquid to a semisolid gel. This is part of the body's normal response to an injury. Normal clotting occurs within seconds and helps limit blood loss by sealing damaged blood vessels when there is an injury. However, blood clots can threaten life if they form inside uninjured blood vessels. Normal blood flow is blocked and function is reduced or lost in the cells the blood vessel carries blood to or from. The result can be heart attacks, strokes, blood clots in lung, or other disorders.
Blood clots in the lungs, which usually break loose from the legs, are the cause of a significant number of deaths each year. Blood clots can be directly related to other problems such as surgical recovery, accidents, long term immobility, and cancer. 80 percent of strokes are caused by a blood clot that reduces the blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Smokers, those who do not exercise, and obese people have a higher risk for developing blood clots. People with blood vessel problems, such as varicose veins, hardening of the arteries, vessel injury or surgery, are at risk as well. Certain diseases like clotting disorders of the blood also increase the chance of forming blood clots. Blood clots are the main cause of sudden heart attack. Lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing blood clots. Stop smoking, cut back on fats and cholesterol in your diet. Schedule regular exercise workouts. Exercise is known to produce substances that can break up clots. medications and blood thinners are given for treatment and to prevent more clots from developing. Article #4212 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
