Blood Clots

Our bodies are designed to form blood clots, so if we are cut we don’t bleed to death. But blood clots can be dangerous if they form in an artery and stay there.  If the artery is blocked by the clot, blood and oxygen can’t move to the affected area and tissues can die. For example, blood clots can cause (or complicate) the following conditions:

• Stroke: a blood clot prevents oxygen from getting to the brain
• Heart attack and angina: blood clots block the arteries to the heart
• Pulmonary embolism: a blood clot that is lodged in the lung
• Peripheral Artery Disease: blood clots restrict blood flow in the arteries in the legs or arms

Diagnosis and treatment

Blood clots are typically diagnosed as part of another condition, such as those listed above. Medication such as anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) is often used to treat blood clots, along with the procedures listed below.

Diagnostic Procedures

• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Testing
  • Blood Tests
  • Chest X-rays
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG,ECG)
  • Medical History & Physical Exam
• Cardiac Cath Lab Diagnostic Procedures
  • Cardiac Catheterization

Intermountain Healthcare resources on heart disease, diagnosis, and treatment

• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 2 - Understanding Heart Disease
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 4 - Diagnostic Tests
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 5 - Treatment Procedures
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 6 - Medications

 Intermountain Healthcare resources on heart healthy living

• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 7 - Activity for a Healthy Heart
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 9 - More Healthy Habits

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association (AHA)
• Medline Plus Heart Pages