Skip to main content

Watch For These Blood Clot Warning Signs

Most of the time, blood clots are good for your health. At the time of an injury, they shield the body from bleeding as the blood solidifies/turns into a gel-like state from liquid thereby preventing excessive bleeding. But sometimes blood clots can spell trouble by cropping up without any reason. In fact, heart attacks and strokes can result from a clot that gets lodged in an artery without your knowledge. A blood clot can impede circulation and prevent blood flow that keeps your system functioning well. Things can become life-threatening if a clot breaks away from its original place of formation and travels to your brain, heart, or lungs (a pulmonary embolism- PE), thus cutting of oxygen and blood that these vital organs need. Being aware of a few warning signs can help you keep life-threatening emergencies at bay.

Some people are more prone than others. It’s always a good idea to stay abreast of all the risk factors and follow steps to keep clots from forming in the first place. Listing the vital warning signs of a blood clot, which you should never overlook and take prompt action on their appearance:

Chest pain- This sign could indicate a heart attack (myocardial infarction-MI), but could also signal pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of PE and heart attack tend to be similar, only difference being chest pain is sharp and stabbing in PE, whereas chest pain from MI often spreads to other areas of your body like shoulders, neck, or jaw. Also, PE pain worsens with your every breath- a crucial point of differentiation. Regardless, dial 911 right away without delay.

Shortness of breath- A blood clot in your lung can interfere with its functioning, which can manifest in the form of shortness of breath. There is often lack of breath to climb up stairs even. A sign indicative of blood clot formation.

Swelling in an arm or leg- This is one of the most common signs. The swelling can be attributed to lack of sufficient blood flow in the leg due to clot formation, and blood can collect behind the clot causing bloating. A definite sign that blood clot is the reason behind the swelling of a limb is pain (that one experiences while walking) accompanying it or redness in the limb affected.

Racing heartbeat- Insufficient oxygen accelerates heart rate to compensate for the shortage. This is a telling sign of presence of a PE in your lungs.

Coughing with no apparent reason- Coughing with no apparent reason (cold or flu) can be a blood clot warning sign. This, accompanied with chest pain, shortness of breath, or fast heart rate, may signal a PE. It is advised that you watch for other blood clot signs if you are unable to stop hacking.

If you experience any of these warning signs, call 911 right away to get yourself evaluated, and accordingly take action. Treatment options include blood-thinning medications that keep clots from forming to surgery (in grave scenarios).

For CPR training, join a class at the AHA certified CPR Tampa in Palm Harbor. Contact CPR Tampa at 727-240-9404. Become AHA CPR certified at the end of your training.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Algorithms for Respiratory and Cardiac Arrests

  Introduction Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) algorithms provide healthcare providers with systematic approaches to managing respiratory and cardiac emergencies in children. These evidence-based protocols are designed to optimize outcomes by offering clear, sequential steps for assessment and intervention during critical situations. Understanding and implementing PALS algorithms correctly can be the difference between life and death for pediatric patients experiencing respiratory distress or cardiac arrest. The Importance of PALS Algorithms in Pediatric Care Respiratory and cardiac emergencies in children differ significantly from those in adults. Children have unique anatomical and physiological characteristics that influence how they respond to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. For instance, respiratory issues frequently precede cardiac arrest in pediatric patients, unlike in adults, where primary cardiac events are more common. PALS algorithms account for these dif...
Post a Comment
Read more

Information on Antioxidants in Foods and Tampa CPR Classes

It is important to eat well and exercise regularly which are the two best ways to keep your ticker well-functioning. Any problem with the functioning of your heart can cause life-threatening cardiac emergencies like a heart attack or cardiac arrest. The best way to deal with cardiac emergencies is by going for a CPR class Tampa at an accredited training center. In the classes, get to learn about the life-saving resuscitation procedures that comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the techniques can revive the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency. Always select an accredited training center for acquiring training such as the AHA certified CPR Tampa in Florida. Certified instructors conduct the classes. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students.  There are a few foods like grapes, tea and chocolate that may be highly beneficial for your heart health as they contain special components called phyto...
3 comments
Read more

Understanding the Consequences of Incomplete Chest Recoil in CPR

  When it comes to performing effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), most people focus on the compression depth and rate. However, an equally crucial but often overlooked aspect is chest recoil. The quality of chest recoil during CPR can make the difference between life and death for cardiac arrest victims. This article explores what chest recoil is, why it matters, and the serious consequences of incomplete chest recoil during resuscitation efforts. What Is Chest Recoil in CPR? Chest recoil refers to the return of the chest wall to its natural, expanded position after each compression during CPR. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood effectively throughout the body. CPR manually takes over this function through a two-part process: Compression phase : Pushing down on the chest to squeeze the heart and force blood out to vital organs Recoil phase : Completely releasing pressure to allow the chest to return to its resting position This second phase—the complete...
Post a Comment
Read more