A deep vein thrombosis occurs when an unneeded blood clot forms in a major vein, usually a leg. If this clot travels to the lungs it is called a pulmonary embolism. One-third of people who suffer from a pulmonary embolism will die. Blood thinning medicines can help with this problem. Also, a vena cava filter implanted surgically, can catch and rid the body of the clot.
Risk factors include smoking, lack of exercise, unhealthy eating, and other unhealthy habits. On the other hand, if blood fails to clot at a cut or abrasion, this could be a symptom of hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. The von Willebrand factor links the platelets, cell fragments in the blood, to the collagen, a fiber, that causes blood clotting. A lack of or mutant of this factor causes von Willebrand disease. When factors 8 and 9, found on the X chromosome, are mutated or missing, this causes hemophilia. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and sometimes, injections from blood donors can also help.
Sources:
Everyday Health
rcn.com
Thank you Lindsey for your contribution to the blog!
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