Thrombosis

Definition

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. It can lead to serious health complications such as stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nutritional factors like dehydration and high-fat diets can increase the risk of thrombosis.
2. Anticoagulant medications are often prescribed to manage thrombosis but require careful dietary monitoring.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of thrombosis by decreasing platelet aggregation.
4. Vitamin K plays a critical role in blood clotting; thus, consistent intake is crucial for patients on anticoagulant therapy.
5. Chronic inflammatory conditions and sedentary lifestyles significantly contribute to the risk of developing thrombosis.

Review Questions

• How do omega-3 fatty acids influence the risk of thrombosis?
• Why is consistent vitamin K intake important for patients on anticoagulant therapy?
• What are two lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of developing thrombosis?

Related terms

Anticoagulants: Medications that help prevent blood clots from forming by thinning the blood.

Pulmonary Embolism: A condition where one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot.

Platelet Aggregation: The clustering together of platelets in the blood, which can lead to clot formation.