Anticoagulants

Normally, clots form only in response to tissue injury. The natural flow of blood keeps thrombin from congregating in any one area. Clots can usually form only when the blood flows slowly or when wounds are opened. A clot that forms in a vessel abnormally is known as a thrombus; if the clot breaks free and is swept up along through the blood stream to another location, it is known as an embolus. These abnormal formations are thought to be caused by condition changes in the linings of blood vessels. Atherosclerosis and other diseases that damage arterial linings may lead directly to the formation of blood clots. Anticoagulants are used to treat these conditions.