Every man who cuts himself shaving knows the bleeding time will be limited, but the formation of a clot of blood can be a very serious complication.
For example, a clot in the the circulation of the brain or in the small coronary arteries - which keep the muscles of the heart supplied with blood - can produce either a stroke or, in the case of the heart muscle, an attack known as a coronary.
Quite often in these conditions, or if a clot forms in the lungs or veins of the lower limb, anticoagulants are prescribed to make it more difficult for the blood to clot.
But, obviously, there must be a limit to the slowing-down of the clotting rate. Carried to excess it can mean that bleeding goes on for far too long.
Teacher: Michael
Many articles taken from 'A word with the doctor', by Dr. John Windsor.
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