Authors: Panagis Galiatsatos, M.D., M.H.S., Robert Brodsky, M.D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
COVID-19 is a very complex illness. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 attacks the body in many different ways, ranging from mild to life threatening. Different organs and tissues of the body can be affected, including the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert Brodsky<\/a>, a blood specialist who directs the Division of Hematology, and Panagis Galiatsatos<\/a>, a specialist in lung diseases and critical care medicine, talk about blood problems linked to SARS-CoV-2 \u2014 the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 \u2014 and what you should know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blood clots can cause problems ranging from mild to life threatening. If a clot blocks blood flow in a vein or artery, the tissue normally nourished by that blood vessel can be deprived of oxygen, and cells in that area can die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop abnormal blood clotting. \u201cIn some people with COVID-19, we\u2019re seeing a massive inflammatory response, the cytokine storm that raises clotting factors in the blood,\u201d says Galiatsatos, who treats patients with COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are seeing more blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism<\/a>), legs (deep vein thrombosis<\/a>) and elsewhere,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brodsky notes that other serious illnesses, especially ones that cause inflammation, are associated with blood clots. Research is still exploring if the blood clots seen in severe cases of COVID-19 are unique in some way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to the lungs, blood clots, including those associated with COVID-19, can also harm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The nervous system<\/strong>. Blood clots in the arteries leading to the brain<\/a> can cause a stroke. Some previously young, healthy people who have developed COVID-19 have suffered strokes, possibly due to abnormal blood clotting.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCoronavirus Blood Clots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Impact of Coronavirus Blood Clots Throughout the Body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n