The causes of blood clots are various. They are usually caused by long periods of inactivity. Long hospital stays, prolonged sitting and taking birth control pills are some of the other causes. When we cut our skin, blood comes out and if we press it and hold it for a while it coagulates and stops. But the blood that flows through the body must always be in liquid form. Without the uninterrupted flow of blood in the body, the tissues and cells will die. Blood clot symptoms include swelling and pain in the affected part. People who are obese or have heart problems are in the high-risk category. Varicose veins also induce blood clotting.
When clots occur, they cut off the blood supply to the brain and cause a stroke. The clots can also induce heart attacks. A clot formed anywhere in the body can travel through the veins to the lungs. Such a clot is called a thrombus. Clots formed in different parts of the body are known by different names. Some people inherit the tendency for increased blood clotting. This condition is known as hypercoagulation and is extremely dangerous.
reasons
Traveling by plane or car, sitting for long periods of time can induce blood clots. Stretching your legs, moving around on the plane, or getting out of the car to move around are important to prevent it from doing so. Stretching exercises are also very helpful.
Cancer patients are more prone to blood clots. Symptoms include swelling and pain. Chest pain and shortness of breath are indicators that the blood clot is moving to the lungs.
Treatment
Some of the important medications used to prevent clots are heparin and warfarin. People who are going on a long-distance trip can take a heparin injection as a preventive measure. It is a commonly used blood clot treatment. Heparin acts much faster than the other drugs. Men are more likely to have a clot than women.
Doctors are still not quite sure about the medication and the dosage. But immediate treatment increases the chances of recovery. Patients with different types of cancer who are treated with statins show a reduction in coagulation.
Prevention
People who are prone to blood clots should keep their legs higher on a pillow when sleeping or raise the bedposts a few inches. Compression stockings are also very helpful in preventing blood clots. As with most other illnesses, healthy eating, exercise, and weight control are important in preventing clots. Blood clot symptoms also need medication and a change in lifestyle.