Learn: Blood Clotting and Cardiovascular Disease

Welcome!You've already learned about the heart and blood vessels, as well as the cardiac cycle. Today, we'll build on that by exploring how blood clots form and how this relates to cardiovascular disease.

What is Blood Clotting?Blood clotting is a process that prevents excessive bleeding when blood vessels are damaged. It involves a series of chemical reactions that create a mesh of fibrin, trapping blood cells to form a clot.

How Blood Clotting WorksWhen a vessel is damaged, platelets stick to the exposed collagen and release substances that activate clotting factors. These clotting factors convert prothrombin into thrombin, which then turns fibrinogen into fibrin. Fibrin forms a mesh that stabilises the clot.

Cardiovascular DiseaseCardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in arteries and may lead to clots, heart attacks, or strokes.

Atherosclerosis and Blood ClotsIn atherosclerosis, plaques made of cholesterol and other substances narrow the arteries. If a plaque ruptures, it can trigger clot formation, blocking blood flow and leading to conditions like heart attacks or strokes.

Risk Factors for CVDMajor risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise. These increase the likelihood of plaque formation and clot-related events.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about blood clotting, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. Now let's test your understanding with a few final questions.