8 Warning Signs Of A Blood Clot That Can't Be Ignored

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A thrombus, colloquially called a blood clot, is the final product of the blood coagulation step in hemostasis.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a type of clot that forms in a major vein of the leg or, less commonly, in the arms, pelvis, or other large veins. In some cases, a clot in a vein may detach from its point of origin and travel through the heart to the lungs where it becomes wedged, preventing adequate blood flow.

This is called a pulmonary (lung) embolism (PE) and can be extremely dangerous.

Know your risk for blood clots. The first and most important thing you can do to protect yourself from a life-threatening blood clot is to learn if you are at risk.

Symptoms of a Blood Clot in the Leg or Arm (Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT)

-Swelling

-Pain or tenderness not caused by injury

-Skin that is warm to the touch

-Redness or discoloration of the skin

Symptoms of a Blood Clot in the Lung (Pulmonary Embolism or PE)

-Difficulty breathing

-Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or lying down

-Coughing, or coughing up blood

-Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat

Below is a list of some of the most common risk factors for blood clots. Know your risk:

• Hospitalization for illness or surgery

• Major surgery, particularly of the pelvis, abdomen, hip, knee

• Severe trauma, such as a car accident

• Injury to a vein that may have been caused by a broken bone or severe muscle injury

• Hip or knee replacement surgery

• Cancer and cancer treatments

• Use of birth control methods that contain estrogen, such as the pill, patch, or ring

• Pregnancy, which includes up to three months after the baby is born

• The use of hormone therapy that contains estrogen

• A family history of blood clots

• Obesity

• Confinement to bed

• Sitting too long, especially with legs crossed

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if any of these risk factors apply to you and know your risk for blood clots.

In addition to knowing your risk factors, it is also important to be aware of the symptoms of blood clots, which vary depending upon where the clot is located:

Heart - chest heaviness or pain, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, light-headedness

Brain - weakness of the face, arms or legs, difficulty speaking, vision problems, sudden and severe headache, dizziness

Arm or Leg - sudden or gradual pain, swelling, tenderness and warmth

Lung - sharp chest pain, racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, fever, coughing up blood
Abdomen - severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea

Blood clots are among the most preventable types of blood conditions. There are several ways to decrease your chances of developing a blood clot, such as controlling your risk factors when possible.

If you think you may be at risk because of genetic or behavioral factors, talk with your doctor. Also, make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications you are taking and any family history of blood clotting disorders.