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Print: Why is hypercoagulation dangerous?
A clot inside a blood vessel is called a thrombus. Sometimes the thrombus can travel in the bloodstream and get stuck in your lungs. This kind of clot (called a pulmonary embolus) blocks blood from getting to your lungs. A pulmonary embolus can be life-threatening.
A clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain can cause a stroke. A clot in a blood vessel in the heart can cause a heart attack. Blood clots can cause some women to have miscarriages. All of these conditions can also be life-threatening.
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 05/10
Created: 09/00
