S.18/E.13

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This week we discuss blood clots

A blood clot is a clump of blood that has changed from a liquid to a gel-like or semisolid state. Clotting is a necessary process that can help prevent excessive blood loss when you have a cut, for example.

Thrombosis is when a blood clot forms and reduces blood flow.

There are two types:

• Arterial thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery.

• Venous thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein.

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When a clot forms inside one of your veins, it may dissolve on its own.

However, sometimes a clot doesn’t dissolve on its own, or part of it breaks off and travels elsewhere in your circulatory system. When this happens, the blood clot may get stuck elsewhere and restrict blood flow, known as embolism.

These situations can be very dangerous and even life threatening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 2 people don’t experience any symptoms when they have a deep venous blood clot.

When symptoms do appear, it’s important to get immediate medical attention.

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Medical emergency

A blood clot may be a medical emergency and life threatening if left untreated.

 

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you or someone you’re with experiences symptoms of a serious blood clot, such as:

• sudden shortness of breath

• chest pressure

• difficulty breathing, seeing, or speaking

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Call a doctor or seek medical attention if you experience throbbing, swelling, and tenderness in one body part.

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