Hemostasis & Thrombosis

Hemostasis is the body's natural process of stopping bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. It involves the constriction of blood vessels, the activation of platelets (small blood cells) that stick to the injury and to each other, and the clotting cascade that forms a stable blood clot. Thrombosis, on the other hand, occurs when blood clots form inappropriately within blood vessels, which can lead to blockages and potentially serious health issues, such as heart attacks or strokes. Both processes highlight the delicate balance needed to maintain proper blood flow and prevent excessive bleeding or unwanted clotting.