Blood clots are part of your body’s healing process. However, they’re dangerous if your body is unable to break down the gel-like clump of blood. ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center is a state-of-the-art cardiovascular practice with offices in Dearborn, Detroit, and Trenton, Michigan. The team includes cardiovascular specialists who have advanced training and experience diagnosing and treating dangerous blood clots. Schedule an appointment by calling the office nearest you, or booking online today.
Blood clots are gel-like clumps of blood that occur when platelets, proteins, and other blood cells stick together. Blood clots are part of your body’s healing process.
When you have a cut or injury, your body creates a blood clot to stop the bleeding and heal the damage. Your body naturally breaks down the blood clot once the area heals.
However, blood clots are harmful to your health if they develop in abnormal places, fail to dissolve, or the body makes too many.
Any blood clot that develops in an artery or vein is potentially dangerous. Some of the concerning types of blood clots include:
A DVT is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein. These blood clots most often occur in the legs, thighs, or pelvic area and may block the flow of blood through the vein.
DVTs may break free from the vein and travel to your lungs causing a pulmonary embolism.
PE is a life-threatening condition. When a DVT travels to your lungs, it can get stuck and block the flow of blood to your lungs.
Blood clots that form in the arteries that travel to your brain or heart are also dangerous, causing a stroke or heart attack.
Blood clots may also travel to other body parts and block blood flow that leads to organ damage.
The ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center team provides compassionate care, and you can expect a patient-focused exam when you come in for help with blood clots.
Your cardiovascular specialist asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They perform a physical exam and run various tests, such as bloodwork, vascular ultrasounds, CT scans, or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
An MRA is an MRI that examines your blood vessels.
The team at ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center customizes your blood clot treatment plan based on the location of your blood clot. Treatment might include:
The treatments the cardiovascular specialists recommend also reduce your risk of future blood clots.
To learn more about testing and treatment for blood clots, call ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center, or schedule an appointment online today.