The body clots blood as a naturally occurring response to an injury. When this occurs, platelets form a sort of plug to stop the bleeding and then the clot seals the wound. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, sometimes a clot forms when it is not needed and can result in serious health concerns for a person experiencing it. There are several ways to prevent and treat blood clots before they harm a person's health.
Definition
The Mayo Clinic defines a blood clot as a way to stop bleeding after a person is cut or scraped. When an unneeded blood clot forms it can block the flow of blood in the veins, which can result in the clot traveling to the heart, lungs or brain, causing serious injury and sometimes death. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, pressure in the chest, sudden weakness, difficulty speaking or sudden vision changes. Doing so can save your life.
Causes
There are several things that can result in the formation of a blood clot. Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is perhaps one of the biggest contributors. This is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body, usually the legs, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Clots usually form due to sitting for long periods of time, such as when traveling or during bed rest. Family history also contributes to a person's risk of forming a blood clot. Additionally, surgery and subsequent recovery and pregnancy can also lead to blood clots.
Concerns
There are many health compromising situations that can occur when a blood clot forms. If the clot makes its way to a person's heart, they can suffer a heart attack. A blood clot that moves to a person's lungs can result in a pulmonary embolism, while a clot in the brain can lead to a stroke. All of these conditions can be fatal. If symptoms are suspected, you are advised by the Mayo Clinic to seek emergency care immediately.
Prevention
According to the American Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or AHRQ, there are many measures that can be taken to protect a person from forming a blood clot. Most importantly is to move around often, especially if sitting for extensive periods of time, after a surgery and during bed rest. This can be as simple as moving the legs without even getting up.
Losing weight and quitting smoking are also preventative steps that can be taken to protect against blood clots forming. Getting adequate exercise also keeps the blood flowing and prevents it from producing unnecessary clots. Finally, AHRQ advises that cutting back on salt can help people at risk of blood clots.
Treatment
There are many ways a doctor will treat a blood clot so a person's health is not at risk. Some will begin an aspirin regimen. Other drugs include blood thinners or anticoagulants and are often started with a regular injection of Heparin, continued with a daily dose of Warfarin by pill, says the American Heart Association. Patients will be monitored by their doctor so they can stay healthy.
