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).

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