The Danger of Blood Clots in Seniors
The Danger of Blood Clots in Seniors
A blood clot looks like jelly and collects blood that forms in your arteries or veins. It happens when blood makes a change from being liquid to becoming partially solid.
Clotting is normal for blood, but clots can become dangerous when they don't dissolve independently. The treatment for blood clots can range from taking medication to having surgery.
How Does a Blood Clot Form?
Usually, a blot clot can form as a response to an injury to your blood vessel. The blood stays in one place at first. Then the platelets and the fibrin combine together to form a platelet plug. The platelet plug is what stops up the hole or cut in you.
However, when a blood clot forms where it shouldn't be, it's called a thrombus. The blood clot which stay in one place is called thrombosis. Or it can move throughout your body which is called thromboembolism or an embolism. When a clot moves in your body, it's perilous. A blood clot can develop in your veins, which is called a venous clot. Or it can develop in your arteries which is called an arterial clot.
The symptoms are of a blood clot, and what your treatment depends on where the blood clot ends up. It also depends on how much damage the blood clot can cause.
Which Blood Clots are the Most Dangerous?
Any blood clot that forms in either your veins or your arteries can be a difficult situation. If you feel that you might have a blood clot, you should immediately call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
A deep vein thrombosis or otherwise known DVT is a clot that forms on the larger veins of your body. A blood clot that stays in place may not be harmful. But when a blood clot starts to move after becoming dislodged, that clot can be detrimental.
One of the main concerns about a DVT is if it gets to your lungs and becomes stuck. This is called a pulmonary embolism. This type of clot can stop your blood from flowing, and the results are severe and even sometimes fatal.
An arterial clot that ends up in your brain is called a stroke. A clot can form in your heart arteries and cause a heart attack. You can also have a blood clot form in your abdominal blood vessels that cause you pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Who Is at Risk for Blood Clots?
Certain risk factors could put you at a higher risk of developing a blood clot. If you're over the age of 65, then the risk is higher. Also, if you've had an extended hospital stay, a trauma, or surgery, then your risk may increase.
Other factors are if you take hormone replacement therapy or are on birth control pills. If you are pregnant, have been treated for cancer, or have cancer. If someone in your family history had blood clots or a specific health condition. If you have polycythemia vera or antiphospholipid syndrome, it makes the possibility of you having clots more likely. Finally, if you’ve had the coronavirus.
Other factors can contribute to blood clots which depend on your lifestyle. If you're obese, overweight, or have an inactive lifestyle, or smoke can all contribute to the chance of you developing a blood clot.
How Are Blood Clots Diagnosed?
If your doctor thinks you have a blood clot, there are tests to see if one has developed:
- Blood tests can sometimes be used to rule out a blood clot.
- An ultrasound test and a CT scan of the chest, head, or abdomen to confirm there’s a blood clot present.
- An MRA can give you an imaging test to look at your blood vessels.
- V/Q scans can test the circulation of your air and blood in your lungs.
If you have a blood clot, then your doctor will decide whether you need medication or surgery. If you need assistance with your needs at home, call us at Right at Home. Our caring staff will put you on the road to recovery.
