Introduction
Blood clotting refers to when blood changes from liquid to semi-solid state, this forms a clump of blood or mainly known as blood clot. The formation of blood clot can be considered very dangerous as this can stuck in heart or any other organ and can stop the flow of blood. A blood clot can be seen anywhere inside the body and of any size.
Types of Blood Clots
- Arterial clot : This type of clot is present in the artery and it required immediate attention.
- Venous clot : This type of clot is present in the veins of the body. Deep vein thrombosis is considered as one of the serious and life threatening venous clot.
Causes of Blood Clotting
Formation of clot is a natural process that takes place within the body but the clots usually gets dissolve. When some times, clots do not get dissolve and that clots are movable. This can cause problem in the functioning of the body.
Symptoms of Blood Clotting
- Swelling
- Pain
- Mostly the symptoms depend on the size of the clots
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Warm sensation
Blood clots can be found in various parts. Each part having clot has different symptoms. Let's discuss the symptoms for different types of clots:
- Clot in the heart : Chest feeling light, shortness of breath.
- Clot in abdomen Abdominal : Pain, swelling.
- Clot in the lungs : Chest pain, shortness of breath, breathing problems, palpitations, coughing up blood.
- Clot in leg or arm : Swelling, pain, tenderness, warm sensation, and reddishness.
- Clot in brain : Sudden and severe headache, difficulty in speaking, blurred vision.
Risk Factors of Blood Clotting
- Smoking
- Cancer
- Birth control pills
- Family history of blood clot
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Lengthy travels
- Age factor (above 65 years)
Diagnosis of Blood Clotting
Medical history and physical examination is done Tests may also be performed that include:
- Ultra sound
- MRI
- CT scan
- A-D dimer test