How to recognize blood clot symptoms and treat them

Blood clots are a normal part of the healing process after getting hurt or having surgery. But sometimes the body makes too many clots, clots don't break down as they should, or clots form where they shouldn't be. These types of blood clots can be very dangerous and lead to a stroke. A very small number of people developed blood clots after the COVID-19 vaccine, but occurrence is rare.

Knowing how to recognize blood clot symptoms may save your life or the life of someone you love.

What is a blood clot?

Two common types of blot clots are deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

• DVTs form in a large vein of an arm or leg. If a DVT is not treated, it can travel in the body or break into pieces and move to other parts of the body.
• PEs are blood clots in the lungs. PEs can damage the lungs and keep other parts of the body from getting oxygen.

What are the symptoms of a blood clot?

Blood clot symptoms vary depending on where they are in the body.

A blood clot in the arm or leg may:

• Be warm to the touch
• Cause swelling or redness in the arm or leg with the blood clot
• Feel painful or tender

A blood clot in the lungs may cause:

• A fast or irregular heartbeat
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or fainting

Warning signs of a blood clot in the brain include:

• A terrible headache
• Sudden changes in vision
• Trouble talking
• Weakness on one side of the body

Diagnosing and treating blood clots

Blot clots may be diagnosed with blood tests, imaging, a physical exam, or a combination of these.

Treatment depends on how big the clot is and where it is in the body.

Treatments may include:

• A filter placed in a vein near the heart that catches the clot
• Blood thinners
• Medications to break up the blood clot
• Surgery to remove the clot

Risk factors for blood clots

People of any gender, age, race, or ethnicity can get a blood clot. But there are some factors that put certain people at higher risk, including:

• Being age 55 or older
• Being pregnant
• Family history of blood clots
• Having a recent surgery or hospital stay
• Having atrial fibrillation, or AFib
• Having cancer
• Taking certain types of birth control or hormone replacement therapy
• Sitting or lying in one place for long periods of time
• Smoking

Preventing blood clots

Here are some ways you can help prevent blood clots:

• Get up and move every one to two hours. Ask someone to help you if you can't move your arms or legs on your own.
• Take all medications as prescribed.
• Use compression garments or devices as prescribed.

Some people with AFib may be at high risk for having a stroke and have a small implant called the WATCHMAN Device to help prevent blood clots.

If you have questions about your risk for blood clots or would like to learn more about how to prevent them, call the Reid Health Heart & Vascular Center at (765) 983-3358 or request an appointment online.