[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/03\/blood-clots\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/03\/blood-clots\/","headline":"Beware of Blood Clots: What You Should Know","name":"Beware of Blood Clots: What You Should Know","description":"Varicose and spider veins can lead to painful swelling and blood clots. Vein problems and blood clots are easily treatable and help prevent serious problem.","datePublished":"2015-03-17","dateModified":"2022-05-09","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/blood-clot.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/blood-clot.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/03\/blood-clots\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":471,"keywords":["blood clot","blood clot treatment","blood clots","blood thinners","deep vein thrombosis","dvt","dvt causes","embolism","medical mondays","spider veins","varicose veins"],"articleBody":"When blood doesn’t flow properly and slows too much, clots can form. Your body’s ability to clot is lifesaving and involves many complex interactions.Blood clots that get too large in veins or form abnormally can cause problems. Your body naturally dissolves blood clots on its own without any treatment or intervention; however, sometimes you can have complications when a blood clot breaks apart and travels to other areas of the body or when veins become blocked and painful.What Are Blood Clots?Blood clots can partially or completely block the blood flow in a blood vessel. A blocked vein leads to fluid buildup and swelling, such as that associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Blood clots can occur in different parts of the body. DVT often occurs in the large veins of the lower leg, while renal vein thrombosis develops in the vein that drains blood from the kidneys.A blood clot can also get caught in an artery, blocking off the blood flow. This is called an arterial embolism. These often happen in the legs or feet.Blood thinners are the most common treatment for blood clots and are used to prevent them for people at high risk.RELATED:\u00a0What is a “Blood Thinner?”Vein ProblemsWhat are spider veins?Spider veins are small, twisty veins in the legs, calf, and thighs. When the blood vessels just under the skin expand, you get visible spider veins. Although we don’t like the look of them, these are generally harmless and easily treatable.What are varicose veins?Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged, swollen blood vessels. They happen when the blood is unable to flow back up through the legs and to the heart, causing the blood to pool.In addition to being painful, varicose veins that cause circulation or blood flow problems can lead to blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.Spider and varicose vein treatmentTreatment for spider veins and varicose veins is relatively easy, ranging from compression stockings to minor outpatient procedures.Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for spider veins. In this procedure, a physician injects a saline solution into the damaged vein, causing it to harden and disappear.Laser treatment or ablation, a procedure that uses intense heat, are commonly used to remove or destroy varicose veins.RELATED:\u00a0Frequently Asked Questions: Varicose VeinsKeep Your Blood FlowingRisk factors are similar for vein problems and blood clots. Smoking greatly increases your risk, as does obesity, estrogens and birth control, and sitting or standing for long periods.Staying active, quitting smoking, and managing your blood pressure are all important ways to prevent problems with clotting or blood flow.Want to stay heart smart? Visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online to learn more about blood clots and how they can affect your long-term health."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2015","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"03","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/\/03\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Beware of Blood Clots: What You Should Know","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/03\/blood-clots\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]