Thrombosis | D-Dimer

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel. Once formed, a clot can slow or block normal blood flow, and even break loose and travel to an organ. Thrombosis is the often preventable underlying pathology of heart attack, thromboembolic stroke, and venous thromboembolism (VTE), the top three cardiovascular killers. VTEs are serious, life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention. 1 in 4 people worldwide are dying from conditions caused by thrombosis.

D-dimer is one of the protein fragments produced when a blood clot gets dissolved in the body. It is normally undetectable or detectable at a very low level unless the body is forming and breaking down blood clots. Then, its level in the blood can significantly rise. A D-dimer blood test is commonly used to help rule out clotting (thrombotic) episodes and to help diagnose conditions related to thrombosis.