What are blood clots?
Blood clots are clumps of blood that form in veins or arteries. They occur when the blood thickens and clumps together. Blood clots are a normal response when you are injured – they help stop bleeding. However, clots can also form on the inside of vessels when you are not injured. These clots can partially or completely block blood flow. When this happens, tissues and organs do not get enough blood. This can cause serious problems.
Blood clots that form inside blood vessels without an obvious injury are called thromboses. Thromboses are dangerous because they can break free and travel to other parts of your body. A traveling blood clot is called an embolus. Emboli can get stuck and block blood flow. This can damage tissues and organs and even cause death.
What causes random blood clots?
Blood clots can happen randomly for several reasons:
1. Inactivity
Staying inactive for long periods of time, like during long flights or bedrest after surgery, can cause blood to pool and clot in the veins. This is especially true in the legs. Blood pools when you sit or lie down for a long time because muscles are not contracting to keep blood circulating back to the heart.
2. Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases the risk of developing blood clots because it thickens the blood and slows circulation. The uterus also presses on veins and slows blood return from the legs. Estrogen and other pregnancy hormones also increase clotting factors in the blood.
3. Birth control pills
Birth control pills contain estrogen, which can thicken blood and make it more likely to clot. The risk goes up the higher the dose of estrogen in the pill.
4. Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and makes blood more likely to clot. Clots are more likely to form and break off in smokers.
5. Cancer
Cancer and cancer treatments increase clotting. Tumors can also press on veins and restrict blood flow, allowing clots to form. Chemotherapy thickens the blood and also makes it more prone to clotting.
6. Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions like atrial fibrillation make clotting more likely. Atrial fibrillation causes the upper chambers of the heart to quiver instead of contracting normally. This allows blood to pool and clot.
7. Medical procedures
Anything that damages blood vessels can trigger clotting. This includes surgery, insertion of intravenous (IV) catheters, and injections. Being immobilized after medical procedures is another risk factor.
8. Obesity
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of random clotting. Excess body fat can press on veins and restrict blood flow. Obesity also causes chronic inflammation, which makes blood more likely to clot.
9. Varicose veins
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that often occur in the legs. They can trap blood and allow clots to form.
10. Hypercoagulable disorders
Some people are born with genetic mutations that make their blood clot more easily. This is called a hypercoagulable state or thrombophilia. Conditions include Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, and deficiencies in proteins C, S, and antithrombin.
What are the symptoms of a random blood clot?
The symptoms depend on where the clot forms. Blood clots in different areas cause different problems:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
DVT forms in the deep veins of the legs or arms. Symptoms include:
– Swelling
– Pain
– Warmth
– Redness
– Veins that feel hard or sore when touched
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
A PE happens when a DVT breaks off and gets stuck in an artery in the lungs. This blocks blood flow to part of the lung. Symptoms of PE include:
– Sudden shortness of breath
– Sharp chest pain that gets worse with a deep breath
– Coughing up blood
– Rapid heart rate and palpitations
– Lightheadedness or passing out
Stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery leading to the brain. Symptoms of stroke include:
– Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
– Sudden confusion
– Trouble speaking or understanding
– Vision problems
– Difficulty walking or coordinating movements
– Severe headache with no known cause
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when a clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the heart. Symptoms can include:
– Chest pain or discomfort
– Shortness of breath
– Nausea
– Sweating
– Pain in the jaw, neck, back, arms or stomach
Mesenteric ischemia
This condition involves decreased blood flow to the intestines, causing belly pain after eating.
Kidney damage
Clots in the renal arteries and veins can damage the kidneys, causing high blood pressure, kidney failure, and pain in the side or lower back.
Who is at risk for random blood clots?
Some people are more likely to develop spontaneous blood clots, including:
– People over age 65
– Those with a family history of clotting disorders
– Patients with recent trauma or surgery
– People who are inactive or immobile
– Obese individuals
– Smokers
– Women taking birth control pills or hormone therapy
– Cancer patients
– Pregnant women and those who recently gave birth
How are random blood clots diagnosed?
Doctors use several tests if they suspect a blood clot:
Medical history and physical exam
Looking for risk factors and checking for signs like swelling or discolored skin can provide clues. Listening to the heart and lungs and feeling the abdomen helps locate the clot.
Blood tests
Blood tests check for clotting problems and proteins released when clots damage organs.
Ultrasound
This uses sound waves to create images of blood flow in veins and arteries. Ultrasound can detect clots in the legs, arms, and lungs.
CT scan
A CT scan uses x-rays and computers to make cross-sectional images of the body. It can show clots in the lungs.
Ventilation-perfusion scan
This imaging test looks for areas of decreased blood flow and air flow in the lungs. It helps diagnose pulmonary embolism.
Venography
A dye is injected into leg veins to highlight them on x-rays. Blockages from clots appear as gaps in the dye.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging produces detailed images using strong magnets instead of radiation. It can detect clots in the brain and other areas.
Angiography
Dye is injected into the bloodstream to highlight arteries and look for blockages on x-ray images. Angiography can find clots in the lungs, heart, and other organs.
How are random blood clots treated?
Treatment focuses on preventing clots from getting bigger and traveling to other areas of the body. Options may include:
Anticoagulants
Also called blood thinners, these medications prevent clotting. They do not actually thin the blood. Examples are heparin, warfarin, apixaban, and rivaroxaban.
Thrombolytics
These “clot buster” drugs dissolve clots. Alteplase and urokinase are examples. They are used for severe clots.
Compression stockings
These apply gentle pressure to improve blood flow in the legs and limit swelling.
Filters
Temporary filters may be placed in large veins to prevent clot fragments from traveling to the heart or lungs.
Surgery
Surgical thrombectomy removes large clots from blood vessels. Doctors may do angioplasty to open a narrowed vessel and place a stent.
How can you prevent random blood clots?
Steps to reduce your risk of spontaneous clotting include:
– Stay active – exercise regularly
– Maintain a healthy weight
– Avoid smoking
– Drink plenty of fluids
– Take frequent breaks on long trips
– Stretch legs with knee bends and ankle circles during periods of inactivity
– Wear compressions stockings if at risk
– Discuss medicines like birth control pills with your doctor
Conclusion
Blood clots can form spontaneously in your veins or arteries. This happens when blood thickens or flow slows down. Clots are dangerous because they can break off and block circulation. Risk factors include inactivity, pregnancy, smoking, cancer, and some medications. Symptoms depend on the location but may include swelling, pain, shortness of breath and more. Doctors use imaging and other tests to diagnose clots. Treatment involves blood thinners and sometimes clot-busting drugs or surgery. Preventive steps include staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking. See a doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot. Prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications.