When blood clots work like they’re supposed to, they form at the site of an injury that needs repair and they stay there. However, when clots don't stay in one place, or form in your bloodstream, they can be dangerous. If a clot does not stay in place — and is too large — it can get stuck in a smaller blood vessel. If that smaller blood vessel is in a critical location, it can block blood flow that one of your organs needs to survive.
Blockages from blood clots can cause the following deadly events such as a stroke, pulmonary embolism, or heart attack.
Anticoagulants can also protect individuals who have a condition or disease that could cause them to have any of the above clot-related events. Some of these conditions include.
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart valve surgery or replacement
- Hip or knee replacement
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Blood clotting disorders