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Formation of a Blood Clot

Picture of a blood clot forming

A blood clot can form when the valves in the veins do not work properly. If the valves do not open normally, blood cells can collect behind the valve and begin to stick together to form a clot. A collection of clotted blood cells is called a thrombus.

The clot, or a piece of it, can break off and travel through the blood vessels. A blood clot can cause serious problems if it gets stuck in a vein and blocks blood flow (thromboembolus).

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology
Last Revised June 28, 2011

Last Revised: June 28, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology

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