Véralvadékot

Véralvadékot, often referred to as a blood clot, is a semi-solid mass formed from blood constituents. This process, known as hemostasis, is a crucial physiological mechanism that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. Platelets, small cell fragments circulating in the blood, aggregate at the site of injury and form a temporary plug. Simultaneously, a complex cascade of proteins, the coagulation factors, are activated in a sequential manner. This cascade culminates in the conversion of soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin. Fibrin forms a mesh-like network that traps blood cells and platelets, reinforcing the initial platelet plug and forming a stable clot. This clot seals the damaged vessel, allowing for healing.

However, blood clots can also form inappropriately, leading to serious medical conditions. Intravascular clots, also known as thrombi, can obstruct blood flow in arteries or veins. Arterial thrombi can cause heart attacks or strokes, while venous thrombi can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. The formation of blood clots is influenced by various factors, including blood flow stasis, endothelial damage, and hypercoagulability. Medical interventions such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) are used to prevent or treat abnormal clot formation by interfering with the coagulation cascade or platelet aggregation.