Formation of a blood clot in a vein
        
        
          
            
              
                Normal blood flow
                
                  
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                  slide 1 of 3, Normal blood flow,
                  Normally, one-way valves in the veins keep blood flowing to the heart.
                 
               
              
                Blood clot forming
                
                  
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                  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
                
                  
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                  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 Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
               
             
           
         
        
          
            
              Current as of: July 31, 2024