A blood clot is a gel-like mass formed by platelets and proteins in the blood. It occurs when the body needs to stop bleeding, such as after an injury. The clotting process helps seal wounds and prevents excessive blood loss, which is essential for healing. However, blood clots can also form inappropriately within blood vessels, leading to serious health issues. For example, a clot in a vein can cause a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), while a clot in an artery can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Timely medical intervention is crucial in these cases.