Blood Clot

**Blood Clot**

Blood clots (also known as thrombi) occur when blood thickens and forms a semi-solid or solid mass inside a blood vessel. This can obstruct blood flow, potentially leading to serious health complications.

**Causes:**

* Injury or trauma
* Certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer, heart disease)
* Prolonged immobility or surgery
* Blood clotting disorders

**Types:**

* Arterial clots (in arteries)
* Venous clots (in veins)
* Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
* Pulmonary embolism (PE)

**Symptoms:**

* Pain, swelling, discoloration in the affected area (e.g., leg, arm)
* Shortness of breath, chest pain (if a clot travels to the lungs)

**Diagnosis:**

* Physical exam
* Imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan)
* Blood tests

**Treatment:**

* Anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent clot formation or growth
* Thrombolytics to dissolve existing clots
* Surgical intervention (in severe cases)

**Prevention:**

* Exercise regularly
* Maintain a healthy weight
* Avoid smoking
* Treat underlying medical conditions
* Use compression stockings during prolonged travel

**Complications:**

* Stroke
* Heart attack
* Organ damage (if a clot blocks blood flow to a specific organ)

**Prognosis:**

With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most blood clots can be managed effectively. However, certain types (e.g., PE) can be life-threatening.