Blood clots in the blood vessels
Content provided by Healthwise
Blood clots in the blood vessels
The two major types of blood vessels are veins and arteries. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the body; veins carry blood back to the heart.
Usually the causes of blood clots in the veins are very different from the causes of the blood clots in the arteries. In the short term, serious problems can result from clots in both veins and arteries. However, a blood clot (thrombus) in an artery generally carries more long-term risks of complications than a blood clot in a vein. Arterial blood clots are associated with other chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis. These conditions can lead to further serious complications like heart attack or stroke.
The major risk of deep vein thrombosis is when the clot breaks off and blocks blood flow in a blood vessel of the lung, causing pulmonary embolism. Other complications, such as postthrombotic syndrome, can also be serious. However, proper treatment most often prevents these problems, and a person can generally expect a normal life span with few long-term complications.
Having a blood clot in a vein does not mean you are at increased risk for blood clots in the arteries. A venous thrombosis is a blood clot in a vein. A blood clot generally develops in damaged blood vessels or in places where the blood flow stops or slows down, such as the calves of the legs.
Credits
| Author | Colleen Cronin |
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology |
| Last Updated | January 26, 2006 |
| Last updated: | January 26, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Ralph Poore |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Terrina Vail |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
