Last Updated on June 14, 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, can restrict blood flow back to the heart. One common tool used in hospitals to prevent blood clots is the Thrombo-Embolus Deterrent stocking.
Arterial embolism
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Stroke
Symptoms of a blood clot include:
- Pounding or cramping pain
- Swelling
- Colour 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.
Blood Thinner Names
Blood thinners are medications that prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. They are often prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular conditions. Blood thinners work by interfering with the blood’s natural clotting process, either by preventing platelets from sticking together or by blocking clotting factors.
There are two main types of blood thinners:
-
Anticoagulants – These slow down the body’s clotting process.
-
Antiplatelets – These prevent platelets from clumping together to form clots.
Common Blood Thinner Names
-
Warfarin (Coumadin)
-
Type: Anticoagulant
-
Description: Warfarin is a long-established blood thinner that reduces the formation of blood clots by blocking vitamin K, which is essential for clotting. It requires regular blood tests to monitor its effects.
-
-
Heparin
-
Type: Anticoagulant
-
Description: Often used in hospitals, Heparin works quickly to prevent clots. It is typically administered via injection and is commonly used in cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
-
-
Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
-
Type: Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)
-
Description: A form of Heparin used for preventing and treating blood clots, particularly after surgeries. It is injected subcutaneously and has a more predictable effect than standard Heparin.
-
-
Apixaban (Eliquis)
-
Type: Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC)
-
Description: Apixaban blocks Factor Xa, a key protein in the blood clotting process. It’s often prescribed for atrial fibrillation, DVT, or PE without the need for frequent monitoring.
-
-
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
-
Type: DOAC
-
Description: Similar to Apixaban, Rivaroxaban is a Factor Xa inhibitor. It is used to treat or prevent blood clots and is a convenient once-daily oral medication.
-
-
Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
-
Type: Direct Thrombin Inhibitor
-
Description: This medication blocks thrombin, an enzyme involved in clot formation. It is often used to prevent stroke in people with atrial fibrillation.
-
-
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
-
Type: Antiplatelet
-
Description: Clopidogrel prevents platelets from forming clots. It is commonly used after heart attacks, strokes, or procedures like stent placements to keep blood vessels open.
-
-
Aspirin
-
Type: Antiplatelet
-
Description: Aspirin is a widely used, low-cost blood thinner that reduces clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation. It is often used to prevent heart attacks or strokes.
-