Scientists from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have discovered the mechanism that causes blood clots—also known as thrombosis—in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). APS is an autoimmune disease in which bacteria and virus-fighting immune system cells attack healthy body tissues and organs, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a result, abnormal blood clotting occurs.

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Among patients with certain blood diseases, applying chelation therapy as a preventative measure may reduce the risk of iron overload, according to new research.

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People with diabetes who incorporate garlic oil into their diet may improve their heart health, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Previous reports have found that an estimated 80 percent of all deaths among people with diabetes are caused by heart disease. Among the different types of these illnesses, cardiomyopathy—which leads to heart muscle damage—is the leading heart-related cause of deaths among diabetics.

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The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has said that taking aspirin may not prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of a clot in the blood vessels, usually in a vein deep within the legs or hips.

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A new study is suggesting that different extra fat locations may lead to dangerous blood clots for men and women. According to research in the Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, extra pounds could result in blood clots. However, the locations are different depending on the gender.

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Incorporating several foods containing anti-inflammatory compounds into one’s diet may help stave off several health issues, according to a study conducted at Lund University in Sweden.

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Patients with heart disease may have a higher mortality rate if they suffer from depression, according to findings published in the journal Heart.

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The recent discovery of an abnormal structure inside the left atrial chamber of the heart may lead to blood clots, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions. A team of researchers at the University of California Irvine, led by cardiologists Subramaniam Krishnan and Miguel Salazar found the pouch-like form during an autopsy procedure.

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Patients who have a history of blood clots may have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in Neuron. This is because researchers have discovered that blood clots that have formed abnormally may speed up the degeneration of cognitive function. In particular, studies have found cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)—a peptide in blood vessel walls located in the brain that causes unusual development of blood clots—may increase a patient’s chance of Alzheimer’s.

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Extended use of blood thinner medications may prevent blood clots in bedridden patients, according to findings published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease may be at an increased risk of developing blood clots, according to findings published in Neuron.

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Some individuals may try an alkaline diet filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains in order to prevent harmful blood clots. Now, scientists have found a way to catch the potentially life-threatening predicament with a single ultrasound.

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Individuals who are concerned about blood clots may want to consider taking nutritional supplements such as vitamin E and ginkgo biloba, which work as natural blood thinners. According to a study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, researchers have found that there may be certain genes that can give insight into how long it takes certain people’s blood to clot.

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While adopting an alkaline diet may help prevent individuals from developing blood clots, a new study has found three preemptive recommendations that can help prevent a pulmonary embolism (PE).

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Researchers feel they have found an effective way to diagnose pulmonary embolisms before it’s too late, according to a study found in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine. A pulmonary embolism is brought on when a blood clot somewhere in a person’s body travels to their lungs.

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