Last Updated on January 6, 2025 by Analgesia team
Blood Clot In Medical Meaning
A blood clot, also known as a thrombus, is a clump of blood that forms when platelets and clotting factors work together to stop bleeding from damaged blood vessels. Blood clots are usually harmless and dissolve on their own after an injury heals. However, blood clots can sometimes be dangerous and require immediate treatment.
Blood clots can form in veins or arteries, and can cause several medical problems, including:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
A clot that forms in a vein, usually in the leg, that can restrict blood flow back to the heart
- Arterial embolism
A clot that travels through an artery, blocking blood supply to an organ or other body part
- Pulmonary embolism (PE)
A clot that travels from a vein into the heart and then toward the lungs, blocking their blood supply
- Stroke
A clot that moves into an artery supplying the brain with blood and stops the flow
Symptoms of a blood clot include:
- Pounding or cramping pain
- Swelling
- Color changes to your skin
- Your arm or leg becomes warm
- You’re suddenly out of breath
- Sharp chest pain that gets worse when you inhale
- Coughing up blood
You can reduce your risk of developing blood clots by:
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Not smoking
- Staying hydrated
- Considering non-estrogen alternatives for birth control or hormone therapy and
- Staying active.
If you have any symptoms of a blood clot, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.