Arteries, on the other hand, are muscular, high-pressure vessels that carry oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. When your doctor measures your blood pressure, the test results are an indicator of the pressure in your arteries. Clotting that occurs in arteries is usually associated with atherosclerosis hardening of the arteries , a deposit of plaque that narrows the inside of the vessel.
As the arterial passage narrows, the strong arterial muscles continue to force blood through the opening, and the high pressure can cause the plaque to rupture. Molecules released in the rupture cause the body to overreact and form an unnecessary clot in the artery, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke. When the blood supply to the heart or brain is completely blocked by the clot, a part of these organs can be damaged as a result of being deprived of blood and its nutrients.
The risk factors for developing a venous clot are different from those for an arterial clot, and people at risk for getting one are not necessarily at risk for getting the other. Different risk factors or events can cause unnatural clotting; however, each factor may initiate clotting in a different way. There are molecules in your system that signal your body to let it know when, where, and how quickly to form a clot, and genetics plays a role in how quickly your body reacts to these signals.
Certain risk factors, such as obesity, slow the flow of blood in the veins, while others, such as age, can increase the body's natural ability to clot.
Even certain medications can affect how quickly your blood clots. In addition to knowing your risk factors, it is also important to be aware of the symptoms of blood clots, which vary depending upon where the clot is located:.
Direct oral anticoagulants are a newer group of anticoagulants. A research review showed that they are at least as safe as warfarin.
Compression socks apply pressure to your foot and leg to help bring down swelling and improve blood flow. Compression stockings extend to your upper thigh. They apply more pressure around your foot and less pressure higher on your leg. This helps keep blood and fluid from pooling in your lower body. A review followed 1, people before and after having surgery. The researchers found that only 9 percent of people who wore compression stockings on the day before or on the day of surgery developed blood clots.
Thrombolytics are medications that dissolve blood clots. You can receive them through an IV, or directly into a blood vessel through a catheter. Currently, doctors use thrombolytics including:.
A thrombectomy is a procedure where a surgeon removes a blood clot directly from your blood vessel. You might have a thrombectomy to remove particularly large clots or clots that are causing concerning symptoms.
A vena cava filter is a device that prevents blood clots from passing through the major vein that leads to your heart called the vena cava. A blood clot should be assessed and treated by a medical professional. If you try to dissolve a blood clot at home, it may take longer for you to get proper medical treatment. This can increase your risk of developing a potentially life threatening condition. Post-phlebitis syndrome. A clot can permanently damage the vein it is lodged in. This problem, called post-phlebitis syndrome, causes persistent leg pain, swelling, darkened skin, and sometimes hard-to-heal skin ulcers.
Deep-vein thrombosis is initially treated with an anticoagulant. Today there are many choices, such as one of the newer oral direct acting agents, intravenous heparin or subcutaneous low-molecular weight heparin or fondaparinux. Anticoagulants can stop a DVT from getting larger and can prevent new clots from forming. How is DVT diagnosed? Can DVT be prevented or avoided? Get frequent exercise.
If you are inactive for a long period of time, move your legs around. Get up every hour or so and walk around, if you can. If you must stay seated, do lower leg exercises. With your feet flat on the ground, alternate lifting your heels and toes. This stretches your calves and keeps up your blood flow.
Stretch your legs and lightly massage your muscles. Get out of bed and move around as soon as you can after being ill or having surgery. Control your blood pressure. Do not smoke. Lose weight if you are overweight. DVT treatment.
The main goals of DVT treatment are to: Stop the clot from getting bigger. Prevent the clot from breaking off and traveling to your lungs. Prevent future blood clots. Living with DVT. Questions to ask your doctor. What is the likely cause of my DVT? What is the best treatment for me? How long do I need to take anticoagulants? What are the side effects or risks?
Can I drink alcohol or exercise while using anticoagulants? Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to reduce my risk of blood clots? If I have DVT once, what is my risk of having future blood clots? Is it safe for me to travel? Does DVT increase my risk for other health problems? Last Updated: September 10, This article was contributed by: familydoctor.
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