By Abidemi Samuel
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What is a blood clot (thrombus)? Also known as thrombus, it is when blood thickens and clumps together inside a blood vessel. This can happen for several reasons, like injury, surgery, or just sitting still for too long.
When a clot forms, it can block the flow of blood to important parts of your body, leading to serious health problem
Why are clots so serious?
Blood clots can cause severe damage wherever they form.
Whether they block blood flow to your heart, brain, lungs, or other organs, the consequences can be life-threatening.
That’s why it’s important to know the signs and risk factors of blood clots and to seek medical help if you suspect one.
These are common sites it can occur:
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
One of the most common places for blood clots to form is in the deep veins of the legs.
DVT can cause symptoms like
– pain
– swelling
– warmth, and
– redness in the affected leg.
But the real danger comes if part of the clot breaks off and travels to your lungs
Vein to Lungs
When a blood clot from the legs travels to the lungs, it can cause a Pulmonary Embolism, or PE.
PE can block blood flow in the lungs, making it hard to breathe and causing chest pain.
In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
This is why it’s so important to catch and treat DVT early.
Heart arteries
Blood clots can also form in the coronary arteries
These are the blood vessels that supply blood to your heart muscle.
If one of these clots blocks blood flow, it can cause a heart attack.
Symptoms of a heart attack include;
– chest pain
– pressure, and
– shortness of breath.
The faster you get treatment, the better the outcome.
Brain arteries and Stroke
Clots can also form in the arteries that supply blood to your brain.
When this happens, it can lead to a type of stroke called an ischemic stroke.
Strokes can cause sudden symptoms like:
– weakness or numbness on one side of the body
– trouble speaking, and
– confusion.
Immediate medical is always needed
Kidney veins
Clots can form in the veins that drain blood from your kidneys, leading to a condition called renal vein thrombosis.
This can cause:
– pain in your side
– blood in your urine, and
– reduced kidney function.
While it’s less common, it is a serious condition
Intestines
Blood clots can also form in the arteries that supply blood to your intestines, which causes severe abdominal pain.
If not treated quickly, it can lead to a medical emergency
WHO IS AT RISK?
– getting older
– obese people
– smokers
– those who hardly move around
– certain medications, and
– medical conditions like cancer or heart disease.
– Family history also plays a role
HOW TO PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS
To reduce your risk of blood clots:
– please stay active regularly
– maintain a healthy weight
– avoid smoking
– if you’re sitting for long periods, like during a long flight, try to move around every hour.
– drink water regularly
– wear compression socks it can help.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
If found, treatment usually involves blood thinners (e.g baby aspirin) to prevent the clot from getting bigger and to stop new clots from forming.
In certain cases, surgery may be needed to remove the clot. Generally, treatment depends on the clot’s location and the severity of the blockage.
Blood clots are a serious, and they can strike in different parts of your body.
Don’t wait till they form, start preventing them today