Blood clots

Blood clots that form because of an injury enable the body to stop bleeding and repair blood vessel damage. Under normal circumstances, these kind of blood clots dissolve after the injury heals.

Blood clots that form inside a blood vessel can become dangerous if they block the flow of blood. Clots that stop blood flow to the brain (stroke) or other areas of the body can cause life-changing complications.

At Advocate Heart Institute, you receive services from highly skilled specialists. They use the latest imaging technologies to locate and determine the severity of blood clots. You have access to a range of therapies offering the highest level of protection against complications.

What is a blood clot?

A blood clot is when special proteins and types of blood cells stick together and form a gel-like substance. Clots can form in both veins and arteries.

Types of blood clots inside blood vessels

There are two types of blood clots that form inside blood vessels.

• Embolus: A blood clot that breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream
• Thrombus: A clot that forms in a blood vessel and does not travel through the bloodstream

Clots can occur in many areas of the body. In addition to stroke, they may cause other severe medical conditions, including:

• Coronary thrombus: A blood clot that limits blood flow to the heart raising the risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Clots that get stuck in the veins of your arms or legs
• Kidney failure: Clots that prevent the kidneys from filtering toxins from your blood
• Pregnancy complications: Clots that form in the pelvis or legs during pregnancy raising the risk of premature birth or pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs

Symptoms of blood clots

There are many symptoms of blood clots. Symptoms that you have depend on where the blood clots are located and what body parts are being affected.

Blood clot symptoms due to coronary thrombus

• Chest pain
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Upper body discomfort affecting the shoulders, neck or jaw

Blood clot symptoms due to deep vein thrombosis

• Pain
• Swelling
• Skin that’s tender to touch
• Unusual warmth in a specific area of an arm or leg

Blood clot symptoms due to pulmonary embolism

• Coughing up blood
• Fever
• Racing heart
• Sharp chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

Blood clot symptoms due to stroke

• Difficulty speaking
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Sudden, severe headache
• Vision problems

Causes of blood clots

Many factors raise your risk for harmful blood clots. Some of these are out of your control. They include:

• Certain cancers
• Diabetes
• Family history
• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Severe injuries (trauma)
• Surgery and other medical conditions that require bed rest

Some risk factors are within your control. You can avoid blood clots and their complications with preventive care such as:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding sitting for long periods
• Quitting smoking
• Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels within normal range

Evaluating blood clots

You'll receive a personalized evaluation from your doctor that starts with a medical history, learning more about your blood clot symptoms and a physical exam. They may recommend one or more tests to evaluate where you have a blood clot and how severe it is. These include:

• Carotid ultrasound: In cases of suspected stroke, this test checks for an embolus that has traveled to the brain.
• CT angiography of the head or neck: This test uses dye and computed tomography imaging to evaluate blood vessels from multiple angles.
• CT angiography of the chest: If you show signs of pulmonary embolism, you may need this test. It provides detailed views of blood vessels in your lungs.
• Doppler ultrasound: Using soundwaves, we evaluate blood flow in areas of a suspected blood clot.
• Venous ultrasound: You may need this test to assess blood clots affecting your veins.

Find out more about heart and vascular testing and diagnosis.

Treating conditions that involve blood clots

Your treatment will depend on the type of clot, its location, your blood clot symptoms and your overall health. Your care may include:

Medications

Medication therapy may consist of:

• Anticoagulants: Drugs that prevent clots from forming.
• Thrombolytics: Medications that dissolve clots.

Procedures

If medications are not successful, you may need an interventional cardiology procedure to remove the clot:

• Catheter-directed thrombolysis: Doctors use a thin tube with sophisticated tools at the tip (catheter) to access and remove the clot. This technique helps you avoid large incisions.
• Thrombectomy: If you are not able to have catheter-directed thrombolysis, you may need a thrombectomy. During this procedure, doctors use traditional open surgery to remove the clot.

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