There are a lot of reasons we may develop blood clots. If we’re lucky, it’s to stop bleeding and protect a wound from infection. If we’re unlucky, it could stop us from breathing.
Many factors can cause blood to clot where it doesn’t belong. Sitting for long periods in one position is one. It has caused problems for people driving, riding or flying long distance on a regular basis. In fact, the formation of blood clots is most often in the legs. Hereditary or congenital problems in the blood itself can also be a reason.
One of the main triggers of heart attacks are blood clots formed in the coronary arteries. These can block the supply of blood to the actual muscle, and wind up either damaging or killing parts of the heart. If enough of the heart is involved, the victim could die.
Heart attacks can also occur from blood clots in the veins. These clots, however, don’t limit their risk factors to the heart. In fact, the first risk factor starts in the vein the clot forms in. If it blocks enough blood flow to the rest of the limb, it could cause the death of that limb. This means amputation, both to remove dead tissue and to prevent the spread of gangrene. It’s dangerous to your life even if it doesn’t break loose.
Many of these clots do get loose and travel through your body. If it doesn’t lodge in the heart, it could very well lodge in the lungs. Pulmonary embolism is a serious, life threatening problem. It can block blood flow to your lungs and back to the heart. If you seek treatment soon enough, the good news is that clot busting drugs can dissolve the clot.
These clots don’t just affect the lungs and heart. They can be a cause for stroke as well. Eighty percent of strokes are caused by either a blood clot from another part of the body or a fatty deposit blocking the blood vessels in the brain. How bad the stroke is depends on how large the clot and where the blockage occurs.
Because blood clots are so dangerous, it’s a good idea to take action before they form. One precaution you can take is to get up once an hour and walk about for a little while. It doesn’t matter where you’re sitting, in an office cubicle or on an airplane. Walking could prevent clot formation.
You may also want to have blood tests to determine if you have any problems with your clotting factors. A lack of some factors or too much of others may make you more at risk. Heredity also lays a role, so be sure to tell your doctor if any relatives have had any problems with heart attacks, strokes or pulmonary embolism.
Ask your doctor what else you can do to prevent clot formation. You may be put on a low dose aspirin regimen or the doctor may feel that the risk is too great and give you a prescription drug thinner. Do not start taking aspirin without talking to your doctor, because it could make matters worse or cause a drug/drug interaction. Be sure to mention any medical conditions or medications you are already using.
ot of fun, even when you make mistakes. Hopefully my mistakes will help you avoid some of the pitfalls an avid gardener can find.