If it’s not staggering enough that 274 people die each day from blood clots, what’s more frightening is that - while some clots are completely asymptomatic - most have telltale signs that would get the sufferer treatment in time to save a life and prevent permanent damage.
Blood clots occur every day, for a wide variety of reasons. In most cases, these clots are a response to a cut or other injury and are beneficial; they stop the body from bleeding out from a minor injury.
However, in some cases, blood clots can develop internally in dangerous locations, including in an extremity, the heart, or the lungs. In these areas, they require immediate medical attention to prevent potentially life-threatening consequences.
Know Your Risks
While blood clots can arise unexpectedly, there are many things that can put you at an increased risk, according to Mayo Clinic. Among the risks that they outline:
● Hospitalization that requires extended periods of bed rest
● Major surgeries - including surgeries in the pelvis, abdomen, hip, or knee, or hip or knee replacement surgery
● Damage to a vein, which may be the result of a broken bone or serious muscle injury
● Certain cancers and treatments
● Certain birth control methods that contain estrogen, especially when taken by women over the age of 35
● Pregnancy and being postnatal, especially in later pregnancy stages and the six weeks after a baby is born
● Car accident or major trauma
● Hormone replacement therapy
● Family history of blood clots
● Obesity
● Chronic illness or conditions which confine a person to a wheelchair or bed
● Sitting for extended periods of time, such as on long flights or car trips
● Smoking
There are several common types of blood clots, but the two most common are perhaps deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and a pulmonary embolism (PE). Each comes with its own telltale signs, which include:
Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVTs occur when a blood clot forms in an extremity, most commonly in one of the thighs or lower legs, although they can also occur in other parts of the body. While DVTs themselves may not be serious, the clot that forms in the leg may break loose, becoming an embolus, and travel to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, arteries, or heart. There, it can block blood flow to major organs and cause significant damage or death.
If you develop any of the symptoms below, you should make an appointment to be seen as soon as possible by your physician. Your doctor can evaluate you for a possible DVT and help you treat the clot before it's too late.
Swelling
If you have a DVT, you may develop swelling in the extremity where the clot has formed. This swelling may occur after an injury (which may have been the cause of the blood clot) or for no apparent reason. If you have recently injured your leg or ankle and developed swelling that does not respond to conventional treatments (e.g., NSAIDs or hot and cold compresses), it may be the sign that a DVT has formed under the swollen area.
Leg Pain or Tenderness Similar To A Charley Horse
A blood clot will often result in a painful, tender leg, or a stabbing pain that’s similar to a Charley horse. In other cases, a patient with a DVT will report persistent itching or a throbbing pain in the leg that does not respond to over the counter (OTC) treatments or home remedies. It also tends to get worse over time.
Reddish Or Bluish Skin Discoloration
One of the first signs of a DVT is often an area of discoloration on the skin above the site of the clot. While redness or bruising may be common after an injury, if you have redness or discoloration that won’t go away on its own, or which gets markedly worse without cause, it could be a clot.
Extremity That’s Hot To The Touch
Blood clots often trigger a temperature change as the body attempts to resolve the clot on its own. You may develop an area of skin that is hot to the touch, or you may have a feeling of persistent, uncomfortable heat coming from the area where the clot has formed. In some cases, blood clots will also trigger a fever as the body tries to fight it off.
Accelerated Heart Rate
As the clot grows, the body will attempt to destroy it and compensate for the blockage, which will result in an accelerated heart rate. If you develop heart abnormalities, such as chest pain, it may be an indicator that the clot has broken free and lodged in another part of the body.
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches as a result of a blood clot. This clot requires immediate medical attention, because it typically results in a blockage of blood flow to the heart or major organs, which can lead to organ failure or sudden death. If you develop any of the symptoms below, seek immediate, emergency medical attention to determine whether or not you have developed this life-threatening condition.
Sudden Shortness Of Breath
Shortness of breath can occur for many reasons, such as strenuous activity or anxiety attacks. However, if you experience shortness of breath that has a sudden onset and is accompanied by a sensation that you cannot catch your breath or that you are “drowning” and can’t breathe, this may be the sign of a PE, and you should get to a hospital for evaluation.
Sharp Or Stabbing Chest Pain
A sharp or stabbing chest pain may indicate a number of emergency conditions, and is something that should never be taken lightly. However, a sharp, stabbing chest pain that intensifies when you take a breath or cough is an indicator that you’ve developed a PE.
Dizziness or Fainting
If your other symptoms are accompanied by a sensation of dizziness or fainting spells, it may be indicative of a clot that has lodged in the lungs. This dizziness may be most pronounced if you are sitting and stand up suddenly, or if you stand after lying down for a period of time. If you feel faint, you may be at risk for injuring yourself with a fall. See a doctor as soon as possible.
Sudden Weakness or Numbness
If you develop a sudden weakness or numbness in your face, arm or leg, or develop other neurological problems, such as a sudden difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying, or a sudden loss in visual acuity or double vision, seek emergency medical treatment. In addition to being a sign of a PE, it may be a sign that a clot has lodged in the brain, causing a stroke.
Blood clots are no joke. If you think you could be suffering from a clot, see a doctor ASAP.