Blood clots are the body's natural response to stop bleeding from damaged blood vessels and promote healing. This process is essential for wound repair. However, clots can form inappropriately, leading to serious health issues. Several factors contribute to clot formation:
Causes of Blood Clots
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Injury or Trauma: A cut, scrape, bruise, or even the trauma of surgery can trigger clot formation. The body's response to this damage is to initiate the clotting cascade to prevent excessive blood loss. (Penn Medicine, Yale Medicine, WebMD)
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Atherosclerosis: Damage to arteries (atherosclerosis), a condition involving plaque buildup, can also lead to clot formation. This can significantly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
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Prolonged Inactivity: Being bedridden for extended periods, as often happens after surgery or illness, or prolonged sitting (even 3-4 hours) increases the risk of blood clots, particularly in the legs. This is because blood flow slows down, increasing the likelihood of clot formation. (Harvard Health)
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Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like COVID-19, some cancers, and inherited clotting disorders can significantly increase the risk of developing blood clots. In some cases, COVID-19 has been linked to unusual blood clotting events, even in previously healthy individuals. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, Yale Medicine, Cleveland Clinic)
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Other Risk Factors: Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, and certain types of inherited clotting disorders.
Preventing Blood Clots
Staying active and maintaining good circulation are crucial for preventing blood clot formation. Regular exercise, even short walks, can help significantly. For those at high risk, doctors may prescribe blood thinners to reduce the likelihood of clot formation.
