Blood clots

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Blood clots can occur under many different circumstances and in many different locations. Blood clots that form in response to an injury or a cut are beneficial, stopping potentially dangerous bleeding. However, a number of conditions can cause you to develop blood clots in critical locations, such as your lungs and brain, and they require medical attention.

Causes
References
  1. Majerus PW, et al. Blood coagulation and anticoagulation, thrombolytic, and antiplatelet drugs. In: Brunton LL, et al. Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 11th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2006. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=28. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
  2. Coagulation disorders. The Merck Manuals. The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec11/ch136/ch136a.html. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
  3. Your guide to preventing and treating blood clots. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/bloodclots.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
  4. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 29, 2010.
MY00109 Oct. 6, 2010

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