BLOOD CLOT FORMATION

Blood clots => Blood clots are clumps that occur when

blood hardens from a liquid to a solid.

Where do they occur?

• Deep veins ( usually in lower legs)

• Lungs

• Brain

What are the symptoms?

• Inflammation develops

• Swelling

• Redness

• Gradual increase in pain ( sharp pain)

• Leg cramps

• Warmness of the skin near the clot

• Discoloration

Causes• Prolonged inactivity

• Recent surgery

• During and after pregnancy

• Not having enough water in your body (dehydration)

• Taking birth control pills or estrogen hormones (especially in

women who smoke)

• Recent trauma

• Obesity

• Cancer

• Genetically acquired blood clotting disorders

• Damage to blood vessels and changes in normal blood flow

How are blood clots detected?

• Venography

• Ultrasound

• MRIs and CAT scans

How can you treat them?

• Medication

Can blood clots kill you?

How can you prevent them?

What is a platelet?

• A platelet is a disc-shaped element in the blood that is involved in blood clotting.

They aggregate (clump together) during normal blood clotting. (Plug)

What is fibrin?

• Fibrin is an insoluble protein involved in blood clotting. Fibrin is deposited around the

wound in a form of mesh to strengthen the platelet plug. (Acts like glue)

What is Coagulation factors (clotting factors)

• Coagulation factors are proteins, mostly manufactured by the liver. Any of various

plasma components involved in the clotting of blood, including fibrinogen,

prothrombin, thromboplastic, and calcium ion. (Reinforce platelet)

Disease

A blood clot may block an artery or vein in the heart, affecting the:

Heart (angina or a heart attack)

Intestines (mesenteric ischemia) or (mesenteric venous thrombosis)

Kidneys (renal vein thrombosis)

Legs (deep vein thrombosis)

Lungs (pulmonary embolism)

Neck or brain (stroke)