A blood clot is a semi-solidified mass of blood that can block the flow of blood through arteries and veins and become life-threatening. Some clotting is normal in the healing process if you have a skin abrasion, but clots that stop oxygen from reaching vital organs require medical attention.
With recent news concerns about blood clot risks, many individuals worry about how clotting can affect their health. The specialist team at Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute explains how clots form, are diagnosed, and treated.
Blood Clotting FAQs
Who Can Get a Blood Clot?
There are several types of blood clots: thrombosis involves a stationary clot that blocks blood flow, while an embolism is a clot that travels to various parts of the body and can damage multiple organs. Approximately 900,000 Americans deal with a blood clot of some kind each year.
Blood clots affect people of all ages, but some risk factors make some patients more susceptible than others. Recent surgeries or hospitalizations can increase the likelihood of a blood clot, as well as conditions such as pregnancy or cancer. If you have a family member who has had a blood clot, you may be more likely to get one too.
How Do I Know If I Have a Blood Clot?
Depending on the location of the clot, you may notice different symptoms. Clots in the legs or arms may manifest with pain or swelling. Clots in the heart or lungs could present with pain in the chest and difficulty breathing. Blood clots in the brain may cause patients to have dizziness or vision or speech problems.
Your doctor will use imaging technology such as a venous ultrasound to examine your body for blood clots. This technology can give your doctor a visual for any blockage in your veins.
How Is a Blood Clot Treated?
If your doctor finds a blood clot on a scan, there are a few different treatments they might recommend to get rid of the clot. Catheter-directed thrombolysis involves a surgical intervention to the site of the clot. The doctor will remove the clot or deliver medication that will break up the clot.
Your doctor might also suggest taking blood thinners to encourage the passage of the clot through your veins on its own. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you during a consultation following your imaging results.
Visit a Vascular Specialist in Dayton, OH
Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute offers expert cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment. Visit a vascular specialist if you have concerns about blood clots or other concerns at our practice in Dayton, OH. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 937.203.8602.