toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Formation of a blood clot in a vein

Top of the page

Formation of a blood clot in a vein

Normal blood flow

Cross section of vein, showing blood flowing normally through valve
slide 1 of 3
    
slide 1 of 3, Normal blood flow,

Normally, one-way valves in the veins keep blood flowing to the heart.

Blood clot forming

Blood clot forming
slide 2 of 3
    
slide 2 of 3, Blood clot forming,

A blood clot can form when the valve in a vein does not work properly. If the valve does not open normally, blood cells can collect behind the valve and begin to stick together to form a clot.

Formed blood clot

Cross section of a vein, showing blood clot formed around valve
slide 3 of 3
    
slide 3 of 3, Formed blood clot,

When a blood clot gets large enough, it can stop the flow of blood in the vein.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Your Partner in Health.

People are at the heart of great health care. That's why we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care tailored to the communities we serve. 


Together with our community partners and patients, we're building a stronger, healthier future for all Idahoans.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In Boise (208) 381-2222