Blood clots are a necessary function of the body which ultimately stop bleeding. But they can also form when not required, causing strokes, heart attacks, and even death.
Causes of blood clots vary, but they are mainly rooted in leading an unhealthy lifestyle. According to the NHS, if you smoke, are overweight, or lead a sedentary lifestyle, you may be at higher risk of suffering a blood clot. Women who are on hormonal contraception such as the pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring are also at risk.
The severity of blood clots depend on where they form in the body, with their seriousness increasing as they start moving through the bloodstream. For example, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a vein, usually in the leg, and can be very dangerous.
It is therefore critical to spot the condition in its early stages when it can be safely dissolved with an injection. Blood clot symptoms which have formed deep within the veins are mostly concentrated in the legs.
Here are four symptoms of blood clots you should never ignore, as reported by the Mirror.
Blood clot symptoms
According to WebMD, four symptoms warning of a blood clot include:
- Trouble breathing
- Colour changes
- Pain
- Swelling
Trouble breathing
This occurs as blood flow through the lungs is dramatically decreased, which in turn reduces the amount of blood flowing to the neighbouring organs.
Occasionally, patients may cough up blood or may experience pain in the chest and dizziness, all of which warrant a visit to the emergency department.
Swelling
When a clot slows or stops the flow of blood, it can build up in the vessel and make it swell.
“If it happens in your lower leg or calf, it’s often a sign of DVT,” explains WebMD.
The health site added: “But you also can have a clot in your arms or belly.
“Even after it goes away, one in three people still have swelling and sometimes pain and sores from damage to the blood vessel.”
Skin colour change
There have also been cases where a person’s skin gives off a discoloured white tone warning something is not right. The health platform Blood Clot Recovery explains that "changes in skin colour, such as turning pale, red or blue or purple", can be indicative of deep vein thrombosis.
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.
The affected area where the blood clot may also feel warm to the touch.
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