coagulation

Common Blood Thinners Myths, Facts and Precautions

Blood thinning agents are a group of drugs that prevent blood clot formation. With the prevalence of atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) these days, blood thinners are a commonly prescribed drug. It is a life-saving medication that can prevent a blood clot from blocking one of the arteries to a vital organ. When a >> Read More ...

Thrombocytosis (High Blood Platelets)

Definition Thrombocytosis is a condition where the platelet count in the blood is higher than normal. It is also referred to as thrombocythemia. Platelets are an important component of blood and is an integral factor in the blood clotting process. Most cases of thrombocytosis are transient and the condition does not >> Read More ...

Antithrombin (AT III) Deficiency

What is antithrombin deficiency? Antithrombin deficiency is a condition where a natural anti-clotting agent in the blood, known as antithrombin III, is either deficient or dysfunctional. It can be inherited or may be acquired in life. The condition can lead to serious complications when clots form in the circulation and >> Read More ...

Excessive Bleeding – Different Types of Bleeding Disorders

The body has an efficient mechanism for stopping blood loss when bleeding arises. This mechanism has several phases to first reduce the degree of bleeding, temporarily plug the point of the blood loss, further seal the area for the long term and then expedite healing of the affected blood vessel to restore its integrity. >> Read More ...

von Willebrand Disease (Bleeding Disorder)

There are several processes that ensure that blood loss is stopped when a blood vessel is torn or ruptured. A platelet plug quickly reduces and even stops the blood loss and is then further secured by a blood clot which is more long lasting measure. In order for the body to carry out these functions, it needs a number of >> Read More ...

Clotting Factors List, Functions, Blood Clot and Embolus

What is a blood clot? A blood clot is a coagulated mass of blood cells and other blood components. It plugs any damaged area of the vessel wall and maintains the integrity of the blood vessel by preventing blood from leaking out. A host of factors come into play in blood clotting (coagulation). When an area of the vessel >> Read More ...

Blood Coagulation Cascade, Prothrombin and Fibrinogen

Hemostasis is the mechanism to prevent blood loss. It is a fast acting system that has multiple steps to reduce blood loss, temporarily and then permanently plug the leak until the integrity of the blood vessel is restored. There are four main phases to hemostasis with the blood coagulation phase following vascular >> Read More ...