Thrombus

A thrombus or blood clot is the final product of blood coagulation, through the aggregation of platelets and the activation of the humoral coagulation system. Thrombus is physiologic in cases of injury, but pathologic in case of thrombosis.

Related Topics:
Coagulation - Platelets - Physiologic - Injury - Pathologic - Thrombosis

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Conditions in which blood clots develop include atrial fibrillation (a form of cardiac arrhythmia), heart valve replacement, or a recent heart attack. Thrombi may cause obstruction of arteries and veins and they are possible sources of emboli. Preventing blood clots reduces the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Heparin and warfarin are often used to shrink and dissolve blood clots by thinning the blood (see anticoagulant).

Related Topics:
Atrial fibrillation - Cardiac arrhythmia - Heart attack - Emboli - Heparin - Warfarin - Anticoagulant

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~