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Definition of Blood Clot

Blood clots play an important role in artery and vein protection. When you cut yourself by accident, blood clots form to stop the resulting bleeding. Blood clots can form and develop for other reasons, which can be life-threatening.

  1. Significance

    • According to Medline Plus, "Blood clots are the clumps that occur when the blood hardens from a liquid to a solid (coagulates)." Blood clots can form in blood vessels, within the heart and throughout other parts of the body.

    Causes

    • Some conditions that contribute to blood clot development include antiphospholipid syndrome, arteriosclerosis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

    Complications

    • Blood clots can cause strokes, heart attacks or pulmonary embolisms.

    Prevention

    • Some strategies to reduce blood clot development include treating underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure, exercising and staying physically active.

    Warning

    • If you experience symptoms, such as shortness of breath, sudden chest pressure or fullness, or sudden blurred or double vision, seek prompt medical attention, as these may be complications resulting from conditions associated with blood clots.

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