blood clotting

blood clotting,

the conversion of blood from a free-flowing liquid to a semisolid gel. Although clotting can occur within an intact blood vessel, the process usually starts with tissue damage. Within seconds of injury to the vessel wall, platelets clump at the site. If normal amounts of calcium, platelets, and tissue factors are present, prothrombin is converted to thrombin. Thrombin acts as a catalyst for the conversion of fibrinogen to a mesh of insoluble fibrin, in which all the formed elements are immobilized. Different pharmacologic agents may interact throughout this process. Also called blood coagulation. Compare hemostasis. See also anticoagulant, coagulation.

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blood clotting,

n the conversion of blood from a free-flowing liquid to a semisolid gel. Within seconds of injury to a blood vessel wall, platelets clump at the site. If normal amounts of calcium, platelets, and tissue factors are present, prothrombin will be converted to thrombin. Thrombin acts as a catalyst for the conversion of fibrinogen to a mesh of insoluble fibrin in which all the formed elements of blood are immobilized. Also called
blood coagulation.

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blood clotting

see clotting.

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Patient discussion about blood clotting.

Q. How can I prevent blood clots? I am 45 years old and am supposed to go on a business trip overseas. The flight itself is 12 hours long and then I have to continue traveling by bus. Could this cause me to have blood clots? If so, how can I prevent it?

A. Sitting or laying in one position for a long period of time can increase the risk of developing DVT- deep vein thrombosis. Here are some methods to prevent it:
Exercise your calf and foot muscles regularly:
Every half hour or so, bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes when you are seated.
Press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot-rest every so often. This helps to increase the blood flow in your legs
Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour or so, when the aircraft crew say it is safe to do so.
If you are allowed, get off the plane and walk about if the plane stops for refueling.
Consider buying a leg exerciser for the journey.
Drink plenty of water (to avoid dehydration).
Do not drink too much alcohol. (Alcohol can cause dehydration and immobility.)
Do not take sleeping tablets, which cause immobility.
Consider wearing compression stockings.
Some people at high risk may also be advised to take anticoagulant medication by their Dr.

Q. very dark blood clots @ first sight of period? At first sight of period, instead of normal rosy spotting it's brownish spotting followed by small clots.

A. Hi Bonbolong.. I just need to ask you a few questions before I feel I can answer you to the best of my ability..Are you now, or have you ever been on birth control pills? How old are you? Have your periods always been like this? When I was young I had so many problems with my periods I wanted a hysterecomy. Of course at 14 years ols, my doctor wouldnt listen..LOL.. I would call your doctor just so he/she can assure you that you are ok..You said your blood was a browish color, I wouldnt worry about that, it is when the blood is black that means something is going on. DOnt worry abou t the clots, that is normal. Like I said, I had many problems when I was young, in fact my GYN had me on birth control at 14 years old. I hope I helped a little, but please get in touch with your doctor, it is amazing how much better you will feel when you find out you are fine

Shirley

Q. What causes blood clots? My father had a heart attack which was caused by a blood clot. Am I at risk for developing blood clots too? How do I prevent it from happening?

A. I found a website that checks your risks for inheriting your family's illness, including blood clots. They have a test you can do which is called "Free Risk Assessment for Thrombophilia":
http://www.dnadirect.com/patients/tests/blood_clotting/more_about/GH_Thr_Risk.jsp