Blood Clots Are A Serious Danger To the Body

main of Blood Clots Are A Serious Danger To the Body

Blood clots are often dark in color and can appear to be solidified in a gel-like manner. These substances typically form from liquid blood to prevent excessive blood loss. When there is a slight laceration to our bodies, blood clots begin to form at the site of the wound to prevent a large amount of blood from leaving the body.

While blood clots typically form at wound sites, there is a chance that they may form within our veins. When this occurs, there is no guarantee that it will dissolve and this poses a potential health risk. While one blood clot cannot cause much harm to the human body, mobile blood clots may move through the bloodstream. For instance, a blood clot moving towards the heart can clog your veins and halt blood flow. When this occurs, what had previously seemed like a minor issue now calls for hasty medical attention.

Dangers of Blood Clots

Blood clots can be dangerous once they begin to move in the bloodstream. Once this occurs, blood flow to vital organs within the body can become blocked. The most common complications include strokes; however, other conditions may occur. Below is a list of associated complications that can arise due to blood clots.

  • Deep vein thrombosis - DVT is a condition that describes the formation of a blood clot within the various veins of our extremities. This can cause pain and a lack of blood flow to our feet and hands. As a result, you may experience numbness or tingling coupled with muscle stiffness.
  • Pulmonary Embolism - The lungs are vital organs within our bodies because without them, we would not be able to breathe. The pulmonary artery assists in transporting oxygenated blood to the lungs and heart, while the veins are tasked with carrying deoxygenated blood. If the pulmonary vein becomes blocked by a blood clot, the lungs will be damaged and the levels of oxygen within our bloodstream will be insufficient.
  • Organ failure - As mentioned before, blood clots can travel through the bloodstream until they act as a barrier between blood and the connecting organ. This can cause heart and kidney failure, as well as plenty of other affected organs.

The top cause for blood clot concerns is among pregnant women for whom these risks are great. Blood clots embedded within the bloodstream can cause pregnancy complications for both the expecting mother and child, including miscarriage and early labor.

Common Blood Clot Locations

Blood clots can occur anywhere within the body; however, there are a few locations where this condition is most common. Blood clots typically form within the legs, causing DVT in the affected region. When this occurs, you may experience swelling, redness, and muscle aches.

Blood clots can also reach the heart, lungs, abdomen, or brain. A blood clot in any of these regions may cause serious medical complications. When a blood clot is embedded in the brain, this causes a condition known as a stroke. This condition may be accompanied by symptoms, such as difficulty seeing, writing, or speaking. Most of the time, blood clots within these vital regions of our body can cause physical swelling as well as a reduced function of the affected organs.

Preventing Blood Clots

Blood clots are commonly caused by wounds, although they can also be caused by a lack of blood flow in your body. If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition associated with blood clot formation, treatment may include the use of blood thinners, filters, or surgery. In some cases, lifestyle changes may also be recommended.

To prevent the formation of a blood clot, it is important to become physically active. Exercising and engaging in a sport can improve blood flow throughout the body and prevent it from staying in one location. Your risk of developing blood clots can increase based on the viscosity, or thickness of your blood. As your blood lowers in viscosity, your risk will become lowered because the blood cannot easily thicken. A daily intake of water can assist with diluting substances within your blood and reducing its viscosity. In addition, certain foods, such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric are organic blood thinners, meaning that they work to reduce the viscosity of your blood.

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