Blood clotting

Overview

Blood clotting is a critical process that stops bleeding by forming clots at injury sites. However, when clots form unnecessarily or fail to dissolve, they can block blood flow and cause serious health problems such as:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Clots in deep veins, often in the legs.
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A clot that travels to the lungs, potentially life-threatening.
• Thrombophilia: An inherited or acquired condition increasing clotting risk.

Causes

Blood clots can develop due to multiple factors, including:

• Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights or bed rest)
• Medical conditions like cancer or autoimmune disorders
• Injury or recent surgery
• Certain medications such as birth control or hormone therapy
• Genetic clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden

Recognizing symptoms early is vital. Swelling, redness, warmth, or pain in the limbs are common signs. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid heartbeat require urgent medical attention.

Diagnosis

At Cardiology Care NYC, we use a detailed, non-invasive diagnostic approach tailored to your needs, including:

• Vascular Ultrasound and Doppler Ultrasound: These imaging tests help visualize blood flow and detect clots in veins, especially in suspected DVT cases.
• Blood Tests: To check for clotting disorders and markers such as D-dimer, which indicate clot presence.
• Imaging Referrals: We coordinate advanced imaging like CT or MRI scans when detailed vessel visualization is necessary.
• Cardiology Consultation: Our specialists assess your overall cardiovascular health and clotting risk factors.

Early and accurate diagnosis allows us to tailor treatments effectively and prevent complications.

Treatment

At Cardiology Care NYC, our focus is on non-invasive, medication-based management and lifestyle guidance to treat and prevent blood clots:

Medications:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Such as warfarin, heparin, or newer oral agents (e.g., rivaroxaban) to prevent clot growth and formation.
• We do not perform invasive clot-dissolving procedures but can coordinate care with specialists if needed.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Staying active and avoiding prolonged immobility
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing blood pressure and diabetes through regular screenings and follow-ups
• Nutritional guidance and smoking cessation support
• Ongoing Monitoring: Regular checkups and vascular ultrasounds help track treatment effectiveness and detect any new clotting issues.

When to See a Doctor

Don’t ignore symptoms of abnormal blood clotting. Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Swelling, tenderness, or pain in a limb
• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Our team at Cardiology Care NYC is ready to provide expert diagnosis, personalized treatment, and ongoing support to keep your vascular health on track.