Blood clots are a necessary function of the human body, but there are times it can result in serious conditions like stroke, heart attack and in some cases - death.
Most of the time, they serve to stop bleeding from a cut or wound, but they also occur in parts of the body that don't require them. Their severity depends on their location, but become more serious once they move through the bloodstream.
For example, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a vein, usually in the leg that doesn't move - and can be very dangerous as they can stall blood flow. Another example of a serious blood clot is an embolus, which breaks free to move around the body.
Causes of blood clots vary, but they are mainly a result of living an unhealthy lifestyle. According to the NHS, if you smoke, are overweight, or are sedentary, you may be at higher risk of suffering a blood clot.
Also, women who are on hormonal contraception such as the pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring are also at risk, as the extra hormones increase the amount of clotting proteins.
Blood clots can be dissolved with certain injections, but only if spotted early and can be fatal if not treated in time. Therefore, it's crucial to know the condition's key warning signs.
Blood clot symptoms which have formed deep within the veins are mostly concentrated in the legs. If you think you might have a blood clot, the NHS advises to call 111 for advice.
It warns to call 999 or visit A&E if you or someone you know is struggling to breathe or pass out
Here are the four blood clot symptoms you should never ignore.
Blood clot symptoms
According to the NHS, the main signs of blood clots include:
- throbbing or cramping pain
- swelling
- redness and warmth
- breathlessness
Pain
Symptoms of a blood clot include a throbbing or cramping pain.
The leg pain or discomfort may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness or general soreness.
Swelling
This symptom occurs due to the halt of blood flow.
If this occurs in the legs, it is usually a sign of Deep Vein Thrombosis. However, it can also appear in other parts of the body.
Redness and warmth
There have also been cases where a person’s skin gives off a discoloured white tone warning something is not right.
Skin colour changes can also range from pale white, to blue and purple. The affected area where the blood clot may also feel warm to the touch.
Breathlessness
Trouble breathing is due to a dramatic decrease of blood flow through the lungs, which reduces blood flow to other organs.
Pain in the chest and coughing up blood is often seen in patients with blood clots and anyone who experiences all three should contact medical professionals.
Risk factors for blood clots
According to the NHS, you're more likely to suffer from blood clots if you:
- are staying in or recently left hospital – especially if you cannot move around much (like after an operation)
- are overweight
- smoke
- are using combined hormonal contraception such as the
combined pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring
- have had a blood clot before
- are pregnant or have just had a baby
- have an inflammatory condition such as Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis
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