What Is the Best Treatment to Remove a Blood Clot in the Heart?
The most common method to remove blood clots in the heart is to administer medication to stop the movement of the clot, according to the Washington University School of Medicine. Patients are monitored weekly by health professionals to track the blood clot.
Some clots are treated with heparin administered by injection daily for several months to remove the blood clot, explains the Washington University School of Medicine. Patients can administer the shots at home to eliminate hospital stays, although physicians routinely check for chronic pain or swelling in the leg weekly and monitor the movement and growth of the blood clot.
Some blood clots are treated with warfarin through IV infusion, notes the Washington University School of Medicine. This procedure requires hospitalization. Warfarin, the generic form of Coumadin, is also available in pill form, and patients typically take the medication for several months, states the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Risk factors that may cause blood clots include immobilization, prolonged sitting, fractures, childbirth, medications containing estrogen and recent trauma or surgery to the body, especially within the knee or hip, says the Washington University School of Medicine. Symptoms include swelling within the leg, warm sensations in the leg or changes in skin color. A blood clot is often determined by an ultrasound exam.