Molecular Creep Induced Fatigue Rupture of Fibrin Clots.

Summary: Blood clots are held together by a sticky net made of a protein called fibrin. As your heart pumps, the constant beating of blood against the clot can wear it out over time. Scientists discovered that this steady pounding causes the tiny parts of the fibrin net to stretch out and eventually snap. They call this stretching "molecular creep." When the net breaks, pieces of the clot can break off and travel through the body, which can cause serious emergencies like a stroke or lung blockage. Understanding exactly how these clots break apart could help doctors predict who is in danger and find better ways to treat them.