Blodproppsbildning

Blodproppsbildning, also known as thrombosis, is the process by which a blood clot forms within a blood vessel. This is a natural and essential process for hemostasis, the body's mechanism for stopping bleeding. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets aggregate at the site of injury, and a cascade of clotting factors is activated, leading to the formation of fibrin. This fibrin mesh traps blood cells, forming a clot that seals the damaged vessel and prevents further blood loss.

However, thrombosis can also occur inappropriately when there is no injury, or when the balance of clotting factors is disrupted. This can lead to the formation of a thrombus, a blood clot that can obstruct blood flow. Causes of inappropriate thrombosis include immobility, prolonged sitting or standing, certain medical conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases, genetic predispositions to clotting, hormonal therapies, and surgical procedures.

When a thrombus forms in a vein, it is called venous thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common type, often occurring in the legs. If a piece of the thrombus breaks off and travels through the bloodstream, it can lodge in another blood vessel, causing an embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot travels to the lungs. Arterial thrombosis, occurring in arteries, can lead to serious conditions like stroke or heart attack, as it can block blood flow to vital organs. Management of thrombotic disorders often involves anticoagulant medications to prevent further clot formation and thrombolytic therapy to dissolve existing clots.