What Are the Symptoms of a Blood Clot & What Should I Do if I Have Them?

May 26, 2022 10:57 am Published by

leg pain

You’ve probably heard about blood clots and how serious they can be, but what are the symptoms of a blood clot?

Blood clotting is a normal and necessary part of how the body functions. When one of the body’s blood vessels is damaged in some way, components in the blood work together to prevent excessive bleeding.

A blood clot (also called a thrombus) forms when platelets, a type of blood cell, and proteins found in plasma, which is the liquid part of blood, come together to form a shield over the injured blood vessel. This process is what stops you from bleeding excessively due to a cut.

While blood clotting is an important function of the body, at times blood clots can be dangerous.

When a Blood Clot Becomes a Health Hazard

When your body is functioning normally, blood clots will form and then dissolve on their own. But occasionally, a blood clot forms and doesn’t go away—or it travels to other parts of the body, blocking blood flow. When blood clots form in or travel to vital parts of the body such as the lungs, brain, heart or legs, it can be dangerous and even deadly.

There are multiple types of dangerous clots that you may be familiar with:

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur in the deep veins found in the pelvis, arms or legs, but it primarily forms in a major vein in the legs. If a DVT moves from its original location and travels into the bloodstream, it can lead to a condition known as pulmonary embolism.
  • Pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot develops and travels through the bloodstream and into the lungs. A pulmonary embolism can damage the lungs and prevent other organs from getting the oxygen they need.
  • Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a type of clot that forms in a part of the brain known as the venous sinuses. The venous sinuses are responsible for draining blood from the brain, so a clot can keep blood from draining adequately and lead to a stroke.

Clots can also cut off blood flow to the heart, lungs, kidneys and the abdomen.

Recognizing the Signs of a Blood Clot

It’s important to know the signs of blood clots and to seek medical attention if you experience them. Ignoring a blood clot or not receiving treatment promptly can lead to serious complications.

Symptoms of a blood clot vary depending on where the blood clot forms:

  • Abdomen: stomach discomfort, nausea or vomiting
  • Arm or leg: pain, swelling, tenderness and warmth that may occur gradually or suddenly
  • Brain: stroke-like symptoms including weakness in the face, arms or legs, difficulty speaking, vision problems, sudden or severe headache, and dizziness
  • Heart: heart attack symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, pain radiating down the left arm, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness
  • Lungs: sharp chest pain, coughing up blood, fever, shortness of breath

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a blood clot, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention. Medical providers can conduct tests, including bloodwork and imaging scans, to determine whether a blood clot is present and how it should be treated.

If you’re at high risk of blood clots due to your age or other factors such as immobility, smoking, a family history of blood clots, or medical conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes, talk with your provider about a plan for preventing blood clots, which may include regular screenings through Magnolia Heart & Vascular Center.

 

Interested in learning more about blood clots and symptoms you should watch for? Check out this blog.

Magnolia Heart and Lung—Alan Thomas, MD
611 Alcorn Drive, Suite 230
Corinth, MS 38834
(662) 287-5218

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This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center