Symptoms
The size and location of a blood clot determine the threat it poses to the body. For example, if the clot is obstructing a cerebral (brain) artery, it can cause stroke, brain damage and death. If the clot settles in the coronary arteries, it can cause a heart attack. An embolus (a small clot that travels and then becomes lodged in a blood vessel, causing an embolism) in a pulmonary artery can cause shortness of breath, coughing up of blood, and even death.

Last updated: 01-Jan-00