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Blood clots are clumps of blood cells and other clotting components. When blood clots stop blood flow from a wound, they are helpful. However, when blood clots form inside blood vessels, they are dangerous. Such blood clots can grow, break loose, and cut off blood supply to organs and tissues.
A blood clot can cause a stroke, heart attack, and other serious health problems. Emergency treatment may be necessary if you have a blood clot.
At Dignity Health, our skilled doctors provide comprehensive care for blood clots in Arizona. Use our online InQuicker™ tool to select an estimated arrival time to your nearest Dignity Health emergency room or call 9-1-1.
Signs and symptoms of blood clots vary depending on what body part they affect.
These risk factors increase your likelihood of developing a blood clot:
Treatment and prevention of blood clots depends upon whether the clot is in a vein (venous) or artery (a)rterial.
For venous clots, you will take blood thinners (a)nticoagulants to prevent the clot from growing and help blood flow past the clot. You may also need a procedure to place a filter in your vena cava, the large vein that carries blood to your heart. The filter will stop the clot from entering your heart or lungs.
For arterial clots, your doctor may pursue more aggressive treatment, often requiring emergency interventions. Clot-busting drugs (thrombolytics) are one option. Another option is a catheter-based procedure to break up or remove the clot.
To help prevent blood clots, you can: