This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
The heart has four chambers: two upper chambers and two lower chambers.
Causes & Risk Factors
The main risk factor for left atrial appendage thrombosis isatrial fibrillation.
This leads to stagnant blood in the appendage, which causes clot formation ( thrombosis).
Atrial fibrillation is a common cause of blood clots in the left atrium.
These often originate in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis.
More powerful blood thinners that break up the clot, known as thrombolytics, are used in some cases.
Anticoagulation medications are typically taken for at least three to six months.
Some people may need lifelong blood thinners.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Blood Clots in the Heart?
Healthcare providers diagnose blood clots in the heart chambers using imaging.
Can It Dissolve on Its Own?
Your healthcare provider can determine the appropriate treatment for your situation.
For example, for coronary thrombosis, a delay in treatment increases the mortality rate.
Lifelong treatment with medications and lifestyle changes can lower the risk of experiencing complications.
Your healthcare team will carefully monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Certain preventable measures can help keep your heart as healthy as possible.
A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent complications like arrhythmias and death.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Atrial fibrillation.
2022;146(15):e205-e223.
doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001092
MedlinePlus.Pulmonary embolism blood clots in the lung.
2021;144(22):e368-e454.
doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001029
American Heart Association.What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
2022;145(3):e18-e114.
2019;73(24):3168-3209. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2018.11.002
American Heart Association.Life’s essential 8.
