http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/blood_clots/ Read the latest news on blood clots, including prevention strategies and new treatments including research on blood thinners. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/blood_clots/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510224819.htm A new study adds to the evidence that certain non-oral hormonal contraceptives carry a higher risk of serious blood clots than others. Thu, 10 May 2012 22:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510224819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508124545.htm A compound called rutin, commonly found in fruits and vegetables and sold over the counter as a dietary supplement, has been shown to inhibit the formation of blood clots in an animal model of thrombosis. Tue, 08 May 2012 12:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508124545.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092040.htm Having a virtual copy of a patient's blood in a computer would be a boon to researchers and doctors. They could examine a simulated heart attack caused by blood clotting in a diseased coronary artery and see if a drug like aspirin would be effective in reducing the size of such a clot. Wed, 02 May 2012 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403124358.htm Obesity, smoking and diabetes are among the most common risk factors linked to blood clots. But a new study has identified another big risk that isn't on the list -- infection. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403124358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113436.htm Oral bacteria that escape into the bloodstream are able to cause blood clots and trigger life-threatening endocarditis. Further research could lead to new drugs to tackle infective heart disease, say scientists. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319095011.htm New research helps to better understand the blood clotting process. Researchers were able to determine the molecular 3-D structure of a protein in blood platelets and a receptor that sticks through the membrane of the cell to the outside. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319095011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215185838.htm Researchers suggest conclusive answers to key questions on the benefits of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for cancer patients remain elusive - despite promising results from large studies. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215185838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141459.htm In the largest and longest head-to-head comparison of two anti-clotting medications, warfarin and aspirin were similar in preventing deaths and strokes in heart failure patients with normal heart rhythm, according to new research. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153743.htm A new study has identified a molecular pathway that leads to abnormal cardiovascular blood clotting and turned it off using a popular class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095459.htm People with low levels of iron in the blood have a higher risk of dangerous blood clots, according to new research. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215094916.htm Pain, swelling, itching, eczema and venous ulcers are characteristic signs of post-thrombotic syndrome, a condition developed by roughly half the patients who have experienced serious deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots in the leg. It has been demonstrated for the first time that a treatment to dissolve blood clots prevented such complications in a substantial number of patients. The treatment is called catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215094916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131404.htm Researchers have discovered a brand new tick-borne infection. Since the discovery, eight cases have been described around the world, three of them in Sweden. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114152358.htm A targeted, nanoparticle gelatin-based clot-busting treatment dissolved significantly more blood clots than a currently used drug in an animal study of acute coronary syndrome. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114152358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109161343.htm The risk of late stent thrombosis (ST) in the first generation of drug-eluting stents continues for up to seven years after implantation, and certain types of patients, including smokers and those who are younger, are at higher risk, according to results of the DESERT registry. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109161343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025210915.htm A new study confirms previous findings that certain oral contraceptive pills are more likely to cause serious blood clots than others. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025210915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025163111.htm Patients with certain genes or specific factors related to use of the anti-clotting drug clopidogrel are more likely to experience a blood clot within a coronary stent shortly after placement, according to a new study. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025163111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018211341.htm Can a bird have a heart attack? A new study suggests that cardiovascular disease may be an unfortunate consequence of mammalian evolution. The study demonstrates that the same features of blood platelets that may have provided an evolutionary advantage to early mammals now predispose humans to cardiovascular disease. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018211341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017170824.htm Patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing surgery may be more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism following surgical procedures, according to a new study. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017170824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930195135.htm An updated clinical practice guideline recommends how to reduce the likelihood of blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery, procedures that more than 800,000 Americans undergo each year. The new guideline suggests use of preventive treatments and advises against routinely screening patients after surgery using ultrasound imaging. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930195135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921134531.htm Scientists are reporting refinement of a new test that promises to help assure the safety of supplies of heparin, the blood thinner taken by millions of people worldwide each year to prevent blood clots. The test can quickly and economically detect adulterants, including the substance responsible for hundreds of illnesses and deaths among patients taking heparin in 2008. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921134531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920111810.htm An analysis of more than 30,000 cancer patients has shown that blood clots are a more common complication than doctors may realize, causing additional hospitalizations and driving up the cost of care, according to a new study. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920111810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817194230.htm Patients with clinically diagnosed superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), a blood clot in the veins just beneath the skin that commonly resolves on its own without treatment, are four to six times more likely to develop venous thromboembolism (VTE), a dangerous, often life-threatening condition, according to a new study. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817194230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817075429.htm A new risk prediction tool can identify patients at high risk of serious blood clots who might need preventative treatment, according to a new study. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817075429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815195904.htm The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after general surgical operations seems to be low when preventive steps are taken, but most cases that do occur are diagnosed in the inpatient setting and most are associated with catheter use, according to a new report. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815195904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810171459.htm Patients with an irregular heartbeat could benefit from a drug that is easier to administer than the current standard treatment. The condition, which is more common with older age, can lead to blood clots forming and significantly increases the risk of stroke. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810171459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810133008.htm A pharmacist-directed anticoagulation service improves the coordination of care from the hospital to an outpatient clinic for patients treated with the anticoagulant drug warfarin, according to a new study. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810133008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808161127.htm People with multiple siblings who had potentially life-threatening leg blood clots are 50 times more likely to get the same condition compared to people with healthy siblings. Hereditary factors -- as determined by sibling history -- are significant in determining the risk of venous thromboembolism in men and women between the ages of 10 and 69. VTE is the third most common cardiovascular illness after stroke and heart. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808161127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121658.htm A new study focusing on the occurrence of clots in knee replacement patients indicates that despite treatment with blood thinners prior to and immediately following joint replacement surgery, the risk of clot formation is still relatively high in certain patients. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707081946.htm Cancer patients with blood clots -- which occur in one of every 200 cancer patients and are the second most common cause of death among cancer patients -- gain no benefit from the insertion of an inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) to the anticoagulant medication fondaparinux (Arixtra), according to new research. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707081946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705071745.htm Women who sit for long periods of time everyday are two to three times more likely to develop a life-threatening blood clot in their lungs than more active women, finds a new study. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705071745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623141331.htm Outpatient care for certain low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism can be safely and effectively used in place of inpatient care, according to a randomized, multicenter study in 19 emergency departments. The findings support current practice guidelines that are rarely followed by physicians. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623141331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110620161204.htm The risk of developing venous thromboembolism may be nearly twice as high for patients undergoing open surgery for colorectal problems, versus those undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections, according to a new report. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110620161204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614161848.htm With an increased emphasis on grading hospitals and a push to withhold payments from hospitals who don't meet certain standards, researchers argue that more attention needs to be paid to the quality of the measurement tools used to praise and punish. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614161848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606131603.htm New research may mark the expansion of a novel imaging agent for an optical technique called near-infrared fluorescence, which uses light energy to glean information about cells and tissues. NIRF combined with the newly synthesized agent can image dangerous blood clots hiding inside elusive veins, most commonly within the deep tissues of the thighs and pelvis, but potentially also in the coronary arteries. The agent uses a biomarker that seeks out a peptide (the building blocks of proteins) called fibrin that is actively involved in the formation of blood clots. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606131603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606113110.htm People whose blood clots more easily than normal are more often affected by cancer. Scientists have discovered that a number of variants of clotting factor genes have an influence on bowel cancer risk. They found out that carriers of a particular gene variant of clotting factor V have a bowel cancer risk that is six times higher than people who do not have this gene variant. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606113110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110530105204.htm Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common type of cardiovascular disease after coronary heart disease and stroke. Researchers recently mapped the significance of hereditary factors for venous thromboembolism in the entire Swedish population by studying the risk of VTE in children of parents with VTE compared with the children of parents who have not had VTE. Mon, 30 May 2011 10:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110530105204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526161233.htm New evidence indicates omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other foods may work with two blood-thinners to reduce the risk of heart attack in stent patients. Patients who received omega-3 fatty acids combined with two blood-thinning drugs after stent implantation in affected arteries had weaker clots than those who got only blood thinners. Thu, 26 May 2011 16:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526161233.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517091639.htm A position statement on managing menopausal women with a personal or family history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been published. The statement includes summary recommendations as a quick aid for the busy clinician. Tue, 17 May 2011 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517091639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516111650.htm Although so-called clot-busting drugs are commonly used in the treatment of some patients with blood clots in the lungs, a new study conducted by researchers in Spain and the US indicates the agents do not appear to be any more effective than traditional blood thinners for the majority of these patients. Clot-busters, or thrombolytic agents, also appear to increase the risk of death in patients with normal blood pressure. Mon, 16 May 2011 11:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516111650.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503081001.htm A recent study shows that pelvic imaging using computed tomography examinations are not necessary for diagnosing patients with venous thromboembolism and eliminating this exam can significantly reduce a patient's exposure to excessive radiation dose. Tue, 03 May 2011 08:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503081001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110428162304.htm The combination of being tall and obese, particularly in men, may substantially raise the risk of developing potentially dangerous blood clots in veins deep in the body. If you're tall, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110428162304.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426081951.htm New nano-systems developed in the UK may eventually help patients recover from surgery without the danger of allergic reactions to drugs. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426081951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328092413.htm Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT: it's more than just a one-time complication from taking a long plane ride. The Society of Interventional Radiology wants individuals to know the risk factors for this very serious condition, which can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, pulmonary embolism, permanent damage to the leg and even death. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328092413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110321161923.htm More than 250,000 Americans are hospitalized yearly because of blood clots that form in veins deep inside the body. A new American Heart Association statement gives doctors guidance on diagnosing and treating these potentially deadly blockages. Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110321161923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110317093354.htm Scientists have announced a breakthrough in understanding how to control blood clotting which could lead to the development of new treatments and save the lives of thousands of people each year. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110317093354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110305105233.htm Each year between 100,000-180,000 Americans die as the result of pulmonary embolism, a complication from blood clots in the lungs. The Vascular Disease Foundation urges Americans, especially women, to learn about the risks of venous blood clots to help prevent these deaths. While men and women are at equal risk, the risk for deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots, varies depending on where a woman is in her lifecycle, her hormone levels, and if she has a family history of clotting disorders. Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110305105233.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228090406.htm Each year, as many as 6 000 Norwegians develop a blood clot in the leg. Additional treatment with medication to dissolve blood clots may increase the likelihood of regaining normal function of the vein and prevent lasting damage. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228090406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110225090848.htm Heparin plays a key role in allergic and inflammatory reactions driven by mast cells, scientists show. The study sheds some new light on the biological function of heparin. Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110225090848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110223125017.htm In a finding that may potentially improve survival from war injuries and disasters, laboratory researchers report that refrigerated whole blood may have a shelf life well beyond the current standard of 24 to 48 hours. The researchers found that whole blood retains its clotting properties at least 11 days under standard refrigeration. If confirmed in clinical studies, the finding could lead to improved survival for patients requiring massive transfusions. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110223125017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110222122349.htm Use of the blood clot-inhibiting medication tifacogin does not appear to improve outcomes of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP), according to a new study. The drug had shown some potential benefit in the sCAP subgroup of an earlier trial involving sepsis patients. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110222122349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110214142338.htm A new anti-clotting drug, dabigatran, is added to recommendations for treating atrial fibrillation. Dabigatran is an alternative to the anti-clotting drug warfarin. Previous recommendations for warfarin still stand. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110214142338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110211095559.htm Patients with strokes, brain tumors and spinal cord injuries are at high risk for life-threatening blood clots, but many do not receive preventive therapy, researchers report. Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110211095559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110210111307.htm An investigational anti-clotting drug is safe and twice as effective as aspirin at preventing stroke or blood clots in atrial fibrillation patients who were unable to take standard drugs to prevent blood clots, study suggests. In these final results, researchers will also detail how the drug apixaban works in patients with previous stroke. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110210111307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110201084147.htm A scientist has identified a new role for a natural signaling molecule in preventing blood clot formation. The molecule could become a target for the development of novel and cost-effective treatments for blood clotting diseases such as Hemophilia A. Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110201084147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133229.htm A research team from France reported two cases of postoperative hepatic vein thrombosis after liver resection. They concluded that thrombosis of hepatic veins may occur after liver resection and is a potential source of pulmonary embolism. Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118143214.htm Emergency medicine researchers are proposing a new strategy for diagnosing a common but dangerous condition in the emergency room. With rates of computed tomography angiography (CTA) on the rise, they want to curb blanket use of the test in patients suspected of having a pulmonary embolism (PE). Instead, they recommend a selective strategy for using CTA to diagnose PE -- first testing patients for an often concomitant condition, deep vein thrombosis. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118143214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110117161440.htm Warfarin use may be associated with a significant increase in the risk of death after traumatic injuries, according to a new study. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110117161440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111133234.htm Scientists have shown that a new drug is more effective and easier to use than current medicines in the prevention of blood clots following hip replacement surgery. Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111133234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101230104241.htm The aggregated proteins strewn about the brain are the hallmark of one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders: Alzheimer's disease. But while these irregular, gunky proteins, called amyloid-beta, are believed to contribute to the deterioration of memory and cognitive ability in Alzheimer's patients, no one knows how they lead to these symptoms. New experiments show how amyloid-beta interacts with a clotting agent in the blood, increasing blood clots that are harder than usual to break down and starving neurons of their regular supply of oxygen. The research suggests that the effects of amyloid-beta on the blood vessels feeding the brain could be an important aspect of the havoc they wreak on the brain. Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101230104241.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208130040.htm The enzyme that makes fireflies glow is lighting up the scientific path toward a long-sought new medical imaging agent to better monitor treatment with heparin, the blood thinner that millions of people take to prevent or treat blood clots, scientists are reporting. Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208130040.htm