What are the complications of blood clots?

Blood clots prevent proper circulation of blood.

Deep vein thrombosis of the leg or arm may cause permanent damage to the veins themselves and cause persistent swelling of the extremity. The life-threatening issue that may arise from deep venous clots is a clot that breaks off and embolizes to the lungs (pulmonary embolus), causing problems with lung function and oxygenation of the blood.

Arterial thrombus often is a life- or limb threatening event, since organs and cells do not get enough oxygen.


How can blood clots be prevented?

Prevention is key in thrombosis or clot formation.

Arterial thrombosis

•For arterial thrombosis, the most likely precipitating event is a plaque rupture with clot formation in the artery.


•Minimizing the risk of vascular disease requires life-long attention to the risk factors that lead to plaque buildup and "hardening" of the arteries.


•Blood pressure and cholesterol control, diabetes management, and refraining from smoking all minimize the risk of arterial disease.


•Although family history is an important risk factor, one needs to be even more vigilant about the other risk factors if there is a family history of vascular disease.
Deep vein thrombosis

The main risk factor for deep vein thrombosis risks is immobilization. It is important to move around routinely so that blood can circulate in the venous system. On long trips, it is recommended to get out of the car every couple of hours and in an airplane routinely get up and stretch.

Physicians and nurses work hard at getting people moving after surgery or while in the hospital for medical conditions. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) can also be used in low doses to prevent clot formation. Patients are often given tight stockings to promote blood return from the legs and prevent pooling of blood.

In patients with atrial fibrillation, warfarin (Coumadin) is used to prevent clot formation and minimize the risk of embolus and stroke