If there is damage to the blood vessel, clots form to prevent the blood from flowing out, these clots are a collection of sticky blood cells which seal the leak. These blood clots may cause problems if they block the flow of blood within the heart itself.
Clotting of blood is an important phenomenon that occurs in the body. Blood clots consist of blood cells and fibrin strands that form to stop the flow of blood after an injury. It is vital for healing wounds, but at times it can lead to complications if it prevents normal blood flow. There are two types of blood clots arterial and venous. If there is a blood clot in the artery it may prevent blood from flowing to other organs of the body causing damage. Arterial blood clots are mostly experienced by adults, however, children can also be affected by these clots. Blood clots can form in any part of the body however, you need to be careful if you have a blood clot in your heart. The heart is connected to 3 major coronary arteries that supply blood and oxygen and if a clot develops in one of them it can even lead to a heart attack.
Causes
If the endothelium which is the inner wall of a blood vessel is damaged it can lead to the formation of blood clots. Conditions like pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis also make you susceptible to getting blood clots. Patients who have undergone surgery are also prone to develop blood clots and need to be careful.
Lifestyle habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use is also connected to the formation of blood clots. Conditions like obesity or just being overweight puts you at risk of developing clots that can lead to serious complications. Women who take contraceptive pills or who are inactive physically can also get blood clots.
Identifying the Symptoms
The symptoms of a blood clot vary according to the area in which they are formed. A blood clot will not only affect the area in which it forms but also affect distant organs. A blood clot may lead to shortness of breath and a feeling of discomfort. One of the prominent symptoms is chest pain due to the clot. If you are experiencing chest pain it is advisable that you consult your physician immediately.
Blood clots in the heart may also affect the supply of oxygen to the heart muscles, resulting in a heart attack. A blood clot will also cause low blood pressure and you may experience dizziness and sometimes people also faint. Coughing up blood is another visually disturbing symptom of a blood clot in the heart.
Treatment
Treatment can vary from the use of oral medication to surgical removal of clots. Clots in the artery need to be taken seriously as they may be fatal if left untreated. Thrombolytic medication is one of the most commonly used treatment options for blood clots in the heart. It is administered intravenously under a doctor’s supervision to dissolve the clots.
Anticoagulant medication which thins the blood is also one of the other preferred methods of treating blood clots in the heart. Antiplatelet agents like heparin is also administered intravenously to help blood clot patients. Surgical procedures like catheters are used to open the blocked areas and a stent is placed to keep it open.
There are ways in which you can avoid the formation of blood clots and one of them is regular exercises which will help you maintain a healthy weight. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption will also help. Drinking plenty of water is also advisable if you want to avoid blood clots.
