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What are the Causes of Blood Clots?

L.R. Ferguson
L.R. Ferguson

There are several causes of blood clots, with the main causes being a physical response to trauma, the effects of a medical condition or a reaction to medication. Though blood clotting is a normal function of the human body, blood clots can be problematic and life-threatening when they form and block blood and oxygen from traveling to blood vessels and arteries. Additionally, blood clots can cause a number of other health conditions if they are untreated.

In normal situations, causes of blood clots are non-threatening, and they form in response to injury in the body, such as a cut or break in the skin. The clots form when the cells in the lining of the blood vessels form platelets that act as a plug in the wall of the vessels. As the platelets clot together, fibrin, a type of protein that acts like glue, forms and causes the clot to hold together. When blood clots form normally through this process, it serves as a mechanism to prevent further infection or trauma to the site of injury. After the blood clot is no longer necessary, the body will naturally break it down.

Blood clots that do not dissolve and remain inside a blood vessel may obstruct  blood flow causing a life-threatening condition.
Blood clots that do not dissolve and remain inside a blood vessel may obstruct blood flow causing a life-threatening condition.

In other cases, however, blood clots can threaten a person’s health. For instance, a blood clot can form and remain in the body’s blood vessels and arteries, which is called a thrombus. When the thrombus breaks away and travels to another part of the body, it is called an embolus. Some common causes of blood clots like these are a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs; and deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the muscles in the legs. When blood clots such as these occur, they can partially or completely block blood flow and oxygen to other vessels and arteries, causing lasting damage to tissues in the body.

Some medications increase a person's risk of blood clots.
Some medications increase a person's risk of blood clots.

There are many other causes of blood clots. For example, genetic diseases can cause the development of clots. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is one such condition that, though rare, creates many blood clots in the blood vessels of the organs. Additionally, some medications can cause the development of blood clots, such as medicines taken for oral contraception. Furthermore, poor health habits, such as smoking, obesity and a lack of exercise, can all contribute to the formation of blood clots.

Blood vessels allow nutrient and oxygen rich blood cells to be distributed around the body.
Blood vessels allow nutrient and oxygen rich blood cells to be distributed around the body.

The symptoms of the blood clots vary because the causes can be so different, and many people might not suspect that they are at risk for developing blood clots. Regardless, warnings can appear, such as pain, swelling and inflammation at the site where the clot has formed. Still, in many situations, blood clots are discovered only after a person has suffered a serious condition that is caused by the clot, such as a heart attack or stroke. In any case, treatment, surgery or medication is typically administered based on the specific condition of the clot to prevent further damage.

Discussion Comments

discographer

Sometimes, blood clots are due to no particular reason aside from bad diet and sedentary lifestyle. Not getting enough exercise is a huge factor. It increases things like cholesterol levels and affects circulation negatively. We should all at least take a half hour walk every day.

ddljohn

@bluedolphin-- Well, there is a greater chance of blood clots in women on birth control pills because they contain hormones. It's these hormones that increase the risk of blood clots, so estrogen, progesterone, etc. This is also why women who are pregnant have a higher risk of blood clots, because of the high hormone levels.

If you've been on birth control pills for a while and have not had issues so far, you probably won't experience issues in the future. I read an article on this written by a doctor who said that the risks tend to be greater in the beginning of treatment. Also, some birth control pills carry more risk than others. If you're on a birth control pill containing drospirenone, you might want to switch to one that doesn't have this. Drospirenone is believed to increase the risk even more.

bluedolphin

Is it true that birth control pills can cause blood clots? Has anyone experienced this or know someone who has?

I'm on birth control and I had no idea about this risk. If there is truth to it, I'm upset that my doctor never mentioned this risk to me. I don't think I want to use birth control if there is a high risk of blood clots.

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    • Blood clots that do not dissolve and remain inside a blood vessel may obstruct  blood flow causing a life-threatening condition.
      By: ras-slava
      Blood clots that do not dissolve and remain inside a blood vessel may obstruct blood flow causing a life-threatening condition.
    • Some medications increase a person's risk of blood clots.
      By: Jacob Kearns
      Some medications increase a person's risk of blood clots.
    • Blood vessels allow nutrient and oxygen rich blood cells to be distributed around the body.
      By: stockshoppe
      Blood vessels allow nutrient and oxygen rich blood cells to be distributed around the body.
    • Blood clots may occur during transfusions.
      By: chanawit
      Blood clots may occur during transfusions.
    • In normal situations, causes of blood clots are non-threatening.
      By: p6m5
      In normal situations, causes of blood clots are non-threatening.
    • Obesity and lack of exercise contribute to blood clots.
      By: imtmphoto
      Obesity and lack of exercise contribute to blood clots.