subject: Undetected and Untreated Blood Clots Can Be Life Threatening [print this page] Undetected and Untreated Blood Clots Can Be Life Threatening
Undetected and Untreated Blood Clots Can Be Life Threatening
Blood clotting is a natural process which the body uses to curtail flow of blood in trauma. However, there are other situations in which blood flow stagnate and lead to formation of blood clots which can be life threatening. Similarly, blood clots can also result from a laceration to a blood vessel in an artery or a vein. Both conditions can slow down or block the blood circulation, contributing to loss of oxygen to the cells involved in the blockage. Common symptoms include swelling,redness in the affected area and pain. The affected area such as a limb may be warm to the touch as well.
There are two main types of blood clot situations as venous thrombi and arterial thrombus. These two types have their own symptoms and causes.
Venous thrombi are caused by stagnant blood resulting from long periods of immobility where the muscles are unable to contract and facilitate the flow of blood back to the heart. What forms as small clots in the wall of the vein can block the vein partially or completely, cutting off the blood flow back to the heart. Sometimes these clots may travel in the blood stream to other locations which can create more dangerous situations. Deep vein thrombosis can occur in the form of pulmonary embolus where the veins to the lungs can be blocked. This condition is referred to as pulmonary embolism where the veins in the lung can be lodged with a blood clot that has travelled through the blood stream.
Arterial thrombus results when plaque deposits formed within the lining of the artery can narrow the vein. A blood clot can form if there is a rapture in the plaque wall, blocking the artery. This form of clots can be fatal as they can contribute to heart attacks or strokes. When occurring in limb and legs, the lack of blood supply will cause acute pain to the patient, or there can be loss of mobility and onset of paralysis in severe cases. Atrial fibrillation which is a condition where there is irregular beating and contractions of the heart chambers, there is a greater chance for blood clotting due to slowed down movement of blood. Similarly, post heart attack damages and scars can reduce the heart muscle's ability to contact efficiently, slowing down the blood pumping capabilities. This too can contribute to formation of small blood clots in the ventricle.
Other Complications Associated with Blood clots
Blood clotting is in fact a normal and essential aspect of the human body which helps contain flow of blood in case of trauma and bleeding. But this can sometimes lead to other complications. For instance, bleeding in the urine track can cause blockage of the urethra and lead to retention of urine in the bladder. Clots formed in the virginal bleeding common in women can cause pain when passing through the cervix. A blood clot in a head injury can travel through the veins and block the blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke.
Risk Contributors to Blood Clots
There are number of risk factors contributing to blood clots. Some of them include high cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, family history of blood clotting and disorders in clotting or lack of mobility due to old age, being restricted to bed after surgery or illnesses, paralysis, obesity, pregnancy etc. It is important to avoid prolonged periods of immobility, especially for those who are in the high risk category.
While some clots may dissolve on its own, others may require medical attention as blood clots blocking arteries to the lungs, heart or brain can be life threatening. Patients diagnosed with blood clots are given anticoagulant medications aiming to thin the blood. Some of the common medications include Plavix 75mg and Coumadin pills. It is important to follow the instructions of the physicians and follow the 2-3 month medication plans prescribed, even though the immediate symptoms have been relieved.
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