Top Blood Clots Causes Writers

How do Blood Clots Occur?

The duration a blood clot lasts is highly dependent on several chemical interactions. Blood clots in several ways including:

• Platelets get triggered if a blood vessel is damaged. They work by sticking to each other, sticking to walls. They also change their shape into that of a plug so that they can cover the part that is broken to stop bleeding. Additionally, platelets produce chemicals that signal other platelets and cells.
• Growth of the clot – clotting factors which are proteins in the blood give out signals that trigger chain reactions. Chain reactions then result in long strands of fibrin which previously were dissolved substances in the blood. These long strands of fibrin intertwine with platelets to form a trap that traps more cells and platelets. This makes the clot tougher and lengthens its durability.
• The next step is the reactions that occur to prevent the clot from traveling where it is not supposed to.
• It gets broken down by the body – as the damaged tissue continues to heal, the tough fibrin strands that had formed dissolve. The body then retrieves the cells and platelets of the clot.

Causes of Blood Clots

For clotting to start, blood has to come into contact with certain substances either in the walls of the blood vessels or the skin. Whenever this contact occurs, it means there is a broken wall of blood vessels or the skin itself is broken.

Substances in the walls of blood vessels or skin are also present in the waxy cholesterol that usually forms in blood arteries. These plaques can also trigger the clotting process if they break open.

When these plaques burst in the brain or heart, they cause strokes and heart attacks. When the blood in blood vessels in the body does not flow like it is supposed to, blood clots can occur. If this blood gets to the heart, there is a high chance of platelets sticking together.

If blood flows slower than normal, it can cause clotting problems that lead to deep vein thrombosis and atrial fibrillation.

Risk factors for Blood Clots

Certain risk factors increase the possibility of a person developing blood clots. People above the age of 65 years are more likely to develop blood clots. Additionally, trauma, surgery, and long admission at the hospital increase the chances of a person developing blood clots.

Additional factors that increase the possibility of developing a blood clot are:

• use of certain birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy
• Pregnancy
• Suffering from cancer or having been treated for cancer.
• Having coronavirus disease also known as COVID-19
• Having a family history of blood clots or conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome and polycythemia vera.

Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of blood clots are:

• Being obese or overweight
• Smoking cigarettes
• Being physically inactive

Which blood clots have the most health risk?

There are two main types of blood clots. Blood clots that occur in arteries are known as arterial clots while those that form in veins are known as venous clots. The formation of a blood clot in any blood vessel is very dangerous.

If a person suspects that they have a blood clot, they should consult their healthcare provider. Blood clots that form in the larger blood veins are called deep vein thrombosis. Usually, if a blood clot remains at the same place, it is not harmful.

However, mobile blood clots can be very harmful. A cause for concern is when a deep vein thrombosis gets to the lung and sticks there. This situation is known as pulmonary embolism. This condition inhibits the flow of blood and results in serious consequences and sometimes may cause death.

When a blood clot occurs in arteries in the brain it is called a stroke. Those that occur in heart arteries cause a heart attack. Additionally, a blood clot can also occur in the abdomen vessels where they cause vomiting, nausea and pain.  However, blood clots witnessed during menstruation should not worry a person because they are normal.

Common Causes and Symptoms of Blood Clots

Symptoms of blood clots depend on the location of the clot. In some people, there may be no symptoms at all. It is common for blood clots to occur in the following areas:

• Arms or legs – blood clots in the arm or leg are usually accompanied by pain and they are tender to touch. Visible signs of blood clots in legs or arms are warmth, swelling, and redness.
• Abdomen – abdominal blood clots are painful and usually cause vomiting or nausea.
• Brain – several symptoms are associated with brain blood clots. However, this range of symptoms depends on the area of the brain that is affected. Blood clots in the brain cause vision and speech problems, seizures, and the inability to feel or move one side of the body.
• Lungs or heart -when a blood clot occurs in the heart, it is usually by symptoms of a heart attack such as sweating, shortness of breath, crushing chest pain, and pain that moves to the left arm.

Medications that affect clotting

Several drugs interfere with the process of platelets signaling each other. This prevents them from sticking together, hence cannot clot. These medications include:

• Clopidogrel
• Aspirin
• Ticlopidine
• Ticagrelor
• Dipyridamole

Blood-thinning medications make it hard for the body to make clotting factors and prevent them. They are also proteins involved in the formation of clots from working. They include:

• Heparin
• Dabigatran
• Apixaban
• Edoxaban
• Warfarin
• Rivaroxaban

Commonly prescribed drugs for heart attack or stroke are clot-dissolving drugs such as tenecteplase, alteplase, and streptokinase. They work by activating the protein responsible for breaking down fibrin strands.

Diagnosis of Blood Clots

Symptoms of blood clots are similar to those of other health conditions. Blood tests are commonly used to detect blood clots. If the blood clot is suspected, a doctor will recommend:

• Ultrasound – this is done to give a clear illustration of veins and the flow of blood.
• V/Q scans -this is a test done to view how blood and air circulate in the lungs.
• Blood test – blood tests are occasionally used to determine if there is a blood clot
• CT scan – a CT scan can be done on the head, chest, or abdomen to check for blood clots.
• Magnetic resonance angiography – an MRA is similar to an MRI although MRA focuses on blood vessels alone.

Treatment of Blood Clots

The main aim of treating blood clots and especially deep vein thrombosis is to stop the enlargement of the clot or its breaking loose. Treatment is important because it helps to prevent future blood clots.

The method of treatment used depends on the location of the blood clot and its likelihood to harm the person. Blood clots are treated in several ways i.e.:

1. Compressed stocking – these are stocking with a tight-fitting that is used to put pressure which reduces swelling of the leg thereby preventing the formation of more clots.
2. Medication -blood thinners which are commonly referred to as anticoagulants prevent the formation of blood clots. If a blood clot may potentially cause death, thrombolytics which work by dissolving already existing clots are used.
3. Stents – stents usually keep a blood vessel open
4. Surgery – surgery is done through a thrombolysis procedure whereby a catheter is directed to where the blood clot is. A catheter is used to directly deliver medication that dissolves clots. Only special instruments are used.
5. Vena cava filters -when a person is unable to use blood thinners, a filter is put in the inferior vena cava to trap blood clots thereby preventing them from moving to the lungs.

Prevention of Blood Clots

The risk of blood clots can be reduced by:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Not smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Making sure one is up to date with their cancer screening
• Controlling medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Conclusion

Whenever a person is worried about their risk of blood clots, especially after surgery, they should talk to their healthcare provider for more information. When traveling for long hours, it is advisable to walk around now and then if possible.

When traveling by plane, wearing compression stockings can go a long way. additionally, one can move their feet and legs while seated.

Various medications are available for the treatment of blood clots.  Some are taken for some time while others have to be taken for a lifetime.  Regular follow-up with the doctor is highly recommended.

Blood clots are serious and can be life-threatening. Being physically active goes a long way in preventing blood clots in people who are at high risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and a proper diet can also help.

Lastly, it is very important to adhere to the suggestions given by the doctor on lifestyle changes and medication.

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