Coagulation, also known as clotting, is the process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot. It potentially results in hemostasis, the cessation of blood loss from a damaged vessel, followed by repair.
Coagulation begins almost instantly after an injury to the endothelium lining a blood vessel. Exposure of blood to the subendothelial space initiates two processes: changes in platelets, and the exposure of subendothelial tissue factor to plasma factor VII, which ultimately leads to cross-linked fibrin formation.
1) Constriction of the blood vessel.
2) Formation of a temporary “platelet plug."
3) Activation of the coagulation cascade.
4) Formation of “fibrin plug” or the final clot.
Anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, are chemical substances that prevent or reduce coagulation of blood, prolonging the clotting time.
Blood clotting is a natural process; without it, you would be at risk of bleeding to death from a simple cut. Blood clots inside the cardiovascular system are not always so welcome. A clot in the coronary arteries near the heart can cause a heart attack; one in the brain or the arteries serving it, a stroke.
Vitamin K helps to make four of the 13 proteins needed for blood clotting, which stops wounds from continuously bleeding so they can heal. People who are prescribed anticoagulants (also called blood thinners) to prevent blood clots from forming in the heart, lung, or legs are often informed about vitamin K.