Blood Clot - Causes, Prevention and Management

What Is Blood Clotting?

Coagulation, also known as blood clotting, is a crucial mechanism that stops excessive bleeding when a blood artery is damaged. By creating a clot over the wound, proteins in the plasma—the liquid portion of blood—and platelets, a kind of blood cell, collaborate to halt the bleeding. Once the wound has healed, the blood clots will usually disintegrate independently. On the other hand, clots can occasionally form inside vessels without causing visible damage or fail to disintegrate on their own. These circumstances can be harmful, necessitating a precise diagnosis and suitable care.

Veins and arteries are vessels that are a part of the body's circulatory system and can develop clots. Although they assist in blood movement throughout the body, the two types of vessels have distinct purposes. Low-pressure blood tubes called veins return deoxygenated blood from the body's organs to the heart. When an atypical blood clot forms in a vein, it can impede blood flow back to the heart and cause pain and swelling as blood pools behind the clot. A type of clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop in a leg's main vein or, less frequently, in the arms, pelvis, or other major veins.

What Are the Causes of Blood Clots?

Here are a few of the causes:

• Recently undergone surgery.

• One is 65 years of age or older.

• Use hormones, particularly those for contraception. Consult the physician about this.

• Either received cancer treatment or have had it.

• Possess a broken bone (leg, hip, or pelvis).

• Possess a nasty bruise or lump.

• Overweight.

• Spend most of their time in bed or a chair.

• One is paralyzed or has suffered a stroke.

• Have a specialized port inserted by the physician to administer medication.

• Possess varicose veins.

• Have cardiac issues.

• Previously experienced a blood clot.

• Possess a relative who has experienced a blood clot.

• Have traveled a considerable distance (more than an hour) by vehicle, bus, rail, or airplane.

Which Strategies Work Best for Preventing Blood Clots?

1. Sustain a Healthy Weight: Being obese is linked to long-term inflammation in the body, decreased activity, and elevated intra-abdominal pressure. All of these variables can increase the risk of blood clots. If one needs to lose weight, discuss healthy options with a medical practitioner.

2. Keep Moving: Regular exercise seems to reduce the risk of getting a blood clot. Light to moderate physical activity is likely a better option than vigorous exercise if a person has been sedentary or immobilized for an extended time. This is due to the extremely slim chance that overdoing it will cause a blood clot to dislodge.

One can talk to a healthcare provider about various forms of exercise if they are still determining what activity level is best for them.

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water because dehydration may raise the risk of getting a blood clot. It is critical to consume lots of water each day, particularly if one also has additional blood clot risk factors.

2. Give up Smoking: If one smokes, it is time to give it up. Studies reveal that using an electronic cigarette does not prevent smoking. A person can get a lot of tools to assist them stop. Consult a healthcare provider to discuss the alternatives if one is unsure which approach is best for them.

3. Break up Extended Periods of Sitting: It is crucial to get up and walk around as much as possible if a job, travel, or health condition compels one to sit for extended periods.

4. Monitor the Sodium Intake: Reducing the risk of a blood clot may require careful monitoring of salt intake. Studies have shown that issues with blood clots can result from sodium levels that are either too high or too low.

5. Think about Compression: In certain situations, a blood clot can be prevented from developing or migrating by wearing compression stockings, socks, or specialized sleeves. A healthcare provider can help a person with compression alternatives.

6. Adhere to the Recommended Treatment Regimen: Specific drugs can dissolve or stop pre-existing blood clots from spreading. Thrombin inhibitors, thrombolytics, and blood thinners are a few of these.

Which Medical Problems Raise the Risk of Blood Clots?

Certain diseases and medical disorders can increase the likelihood of developing blood clots. It is a good idea to discuss preventative measures with the doctor if one has any of the following conditions to reduce the risk:

• Cancer.

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

• Heart diseases.

• Chronic kidney disorder.

• Rheumatoid arthritis.

• Sepsis.

• Tuberculosis (TB).

• Respiratory disease, such as asthma.

• Obstructive sleep apnea.

• Diabetes.

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

• Behchet’s disease.

• Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Which Medical Procedures Can Be Used to Stop a Blood Clot?

Treatments that are easy to use and efficient are available. It is critical that a person comprehend and closely abide by the advice given by the medical staff.

1. Mechanical Procedures:

• A doctor can advise people to wear compression, also known as anti-embolism stockings. Thanks to these tight stockings, blood flows more swiftly through the legs. The medical staff will measure the legs to ensure the correct size and instructions on using them.

• Pneumatic intermittent compression devices force the blood to flow through the legs by automatically inflating at set intervals.

• Compression stockings and gadgets can lead to blisters, ulcers, and discomfort. This usually only occurs when they are not fitted properly. The risk is increased if one has poor leg circulation.

• Inform the medical staff so that the patient can be evaluated once more if they experience any of these issues or have ever experienced leg ulcers or calf pain.

• An allergic reaction to the materials is also a possibility. Inform the medical staff about any allergies one may have.

2. Medication:

• This is administering blood thinners to one, lessening the possibility of blood clots forming.

• Depending on the risk, the medical team may offer a person an injection of medication under the skin or recommend more oral (taken by mouth) medication.

• Typically, if one is bleeding or highly likely to hemorrhage, the medical staff will not advise medicine. The medical staff must weigh the possibility of a blood clot against the possibility of excessive bleeding.

Conclusion

A blood clot can cause a heart attack, stroke, organ damage, and other health issues. Several risk factors can increase the chance of getting a blood clot. Although some risk factors are hereditary, taking some preventative measures can lower the overall risk of blood clots. Consult a medical expert to determine if compression clothing or medicine would benefit people.