Why can Clotting be dangerous?

Why can Clotting be dangerous?

A blood clot can form in any blood vessel in your body. It can end up in the lungs, heart, brain, or other areas if it breaks away and travels through the blood. These migrations can lead to serious complications as the clot disrupts the flow of blood to important organs. This can result in heart attack and stroke.

What puts someone at risk for clots?

Blood clots can affect anyone at any age, but certain risk factors, such as surgery, hospitalization, pregnancy, cancer and some types of cancer treatments can increase risks. In addition, a family history of blood clots can increase a person’s risk. The chance of a blood clot increases when you have more risk factors.

Why is it important to prevent blood clots?

Blood clotting, or coagulation, is an important process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. Platelets (a type of blood cell) and proteins in your plasma (the liquid part of blood) work together to stop the bleeding by forming a clot over the injury.

What drug prevents clots?

Anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin) slow down your body’s process of making clots. Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. When you take a blood thinner, follow directions carefully.

Who is most prone to blood clots?

You’re more likely to have a genetic cause of excessive blood clotting if you have:

• Family members who have had dangerous blood clots.
• A personal history of repeated blood clots before the age of 40.
• A personal history of unexplained miscarriages.

Can lying down cause blood clots?

Sitting or lying down for long periods—due to prolonged bed rest after illness or a long airplane flight, for example—can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and, worst-case scenario, pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs.

How should you sleep to prevent blood clots?

Raise your feet when sleeping To help promote circulation while you’re sleeping, try elevating your legs. You can do this by putting a pillow under your feet or by raising the foot of your bed. It doesn’t have to be a major lift — just a few inches will greatly help your circulation and reduce your risk of blood clots.

Which is the best medicine to prevent blood clots?

List of Terms Term Meaning Anticoagulant Medicine that thins your blood Blood clot Blood that clumps together Blood thinner Another name for medicine that prevents Coumadin®/warfarin, heparin Types of medicines that keep blood from

How are blood clots related to anticoagulants?

Clots, like a drain plug, physically obstruct the flow of blood at the site of bleeding. The potential risk from anticoagulants is that you may continue bleeding, even when your body requires a clot, which can happen even at a normal dose of medication. How can you manage bleeding risk associated with anticoagulants?

Who is at risk for a blood clot?

Although anyone can be affected by a blood clot, certain risk factors, such as hospitalization, pregnancy, cancer, and some types of cancer treatments, can increase a person’s chance of developing one.

What is the risk of blood clots with warfarin?

If it’s less than 2.0, your blood is too thick and you are at an increased risk for clots. If it is above 3.0, your blood is too thin and you are at risk for bleeding. Warfarin may also be affected by other medicines, so be sure and tell your health care provider about any other medications you are taking.