Warning Signs of a Blood Clot
Blood clotting is a normal process that the
human body carries out in order to stop external bleeding. However,
sometimes blood clots happen when they're not meant to, such as when
it's still within your veins. When this occurs, blood clotting can
become life-threatening. Internal clotting can be a cause of heart
attacks, strokes, as well as other serious medical conditions.
Fortunately, there are 8 common ways to notice if you're suffering from a
blood clot:
1. Swelling in One Limb
One serious type of blood clot is deep vein
thrombosis (DVT). When DVT occurs, oxygen is prevented from reaching
your vital organs. This results in poor blood circulation, which ends up
causing swelling. If one or more of your limbs is inexplicably swollen,
it would be best to consult your doctor.
2. Leg Pain or Tenderness
People suffering from DVT also commonly experience leg pain or
tenderness. In addition to making the limbs swell, DVT may also cause
the legs to ache, be sore to the touch, or to cramp up.
3. Chest Pain and Heavy Breathing
Chest pain should never be ignored, and
neither should heavy breathing. If both of these symptoms are
experienced simultaneously, experts say that you could be suffering from
a blood clot in the lungs. Such a clot can quickly turn fatal, so
should you experience these symptoms, then stop whatever you're doing,
and seek medical attention right away.
4. Shortness of Breath
Much like with heavy breathing, shortness of breath is never a symptom
you should ignore. If you notice that you're finding it hard to breathe,
have a racing heart, feel a fluttering sensation in your chest, or
experience any dizziness, then you may be suffering from a clot in the
lungs. These symptoms, particularly when experienced simultaneously,
warrant immediate medical attention.
5. A Random Cough Without a Cold
If you aren't ill but are coughing for
seemingly no reason, then look out for other potential signs of a blood
clot. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a noticeably
increased heart rate.
6. Red Streaks Along Your Veins
If you notice red streaks on your skin that run down much of the length
of your veins, then you should contact your doctor immediately. While
blood clots typically cause bruising, streaking is a sign of a more
severe and potentially life-threatening concern. These streaks will also
make your skin feel a lot warmer to the touch, which is another way of
identifying a clot.
7. Severe, Chronic Headaches
If you are continually experiencing very
painful headaches, whilst also having trouble speaking or seeing, then
this may indicate a blood clot in your brain. Needless to say, this is
extremely serious, and you should seek medical assistance immediately.
8. Vomiting or Diarrhea
Severe diarrhea and/or vomiting is never normal under any circumstances.
However, if these symptoms keep persisting, then you should contact a
medical professional, as they could indicate a blood clot in the
abdominal region.