Clot Formation Flow Chart

Review Question: What happens after a clot forms?

Patterns: Process, definition

Normal clot

(from injury)

Abnormal clot

(from plague rupture caused by damage)

Clot will usually dissolve

Clot Forms

Clot remains attached to plaque in an artery

(thrombus)

Clot breaks loose

(embolus)

Clot travels in bloodstream until it reaches an artery too small to pass

Clot becomes stuck

(embolism)

Clot lodged in an artery of the heart

Sudden death of part of the heart muscle

Heart attack

Clot lodged in an artery of the brain

Tissues fed by blocked artery is starved of oxygen and nutrients

Tissues die

Portion of brain is killed

Stroke

Clot grows until it shuts off blood supply to surrounding tissue

(thrombosis)

Starved tissue dies and is replaced by non-functional scar tissue