Understanding blood clots

This week we’ve been learning about different heart and circulatory diseases. Although given separate names, diseases can be very closely linked. For example, blood clots are a major cause of both heart and circulatory diseases.

Blood clotting is a vital function which your body relies upon to repair wounds. Without it, even a small cut could leave us in danger of bleeding to death. Thanks to blood clotting, a paper cut is a mild annoyance rather than a serious injury.

Blood clots in your blood vessels can be caused by many things. For example a build-up of fatty material which narrows the vessels and stops blood flowing properly. In arteries that supply the heart, a blood clot can cause a heart attack. In arteries that supply the brain, a blood clot can cause a stroke.