5 Signs of a Blood Clot

Clotting is an important process that prevents you from losing too much blood if you cut or otherwise injure yourself. The platelets in the blood adhere to the edges of the cut and release chemicals that attract even more platelets to the scene, forming an aggregate that changes the liquid to a gel-like or semisolid state, thereby plugging the hole. Vitamin K also plays a role.

Clots, though, aren’t always a good thing. Sometimes a clot forms in veins deep within your body, and it won’t always dissolve on its own. If the clot remains immobile, it’s generally harmless. However, there’s a risk that it could break free and travel elsewhere in your body, quickly escalating into a life-threatening situation.

At Texas Vascular Institute in Dallas, Texas, double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. Dev Batra has dedicated his life to diagnosing and treating vein problems. He also understands how important it is that his patients learn how to recognize the signs of a blood clot, so they can seek medical help in a timely fashion. Here’s what he wants you to know.

5 signals and symptoms of a blood clot

The symptoms of a blood clot depend on where in the body it forms or travels to. Here are the five primary areas and the signs a blood clot produces:

1. Arm or leg

The most common places for blood clots to form are in your lower leg or your arm. The symptoms you have depends on the clot’s size: you may have no symptoms at all, minor swelling in the limb, or if the clot is large, major swelling with extensive pain.

The most common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Warm sensation
• Reddish discoloration of the skin

The National Blood Clot Alliance indicates that the pain from this type of blood clot can be similar to the sensation of a pulled muscle.

4. Abdomen

A blood clot in the abdomen causes severe abdominal pain and swelling. However, these symptoms are similar to those of a stomach virus or food poisoning, so you should definitely see a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.

5. Brain

A blood clot in the brain is referred to as a stroke. Because it cuts off necessary oxygen and nutrients, the clot can cause a sudden, severe headache, difficulty speaking, or difficulty seeing. This is a life-threatening emergency, so get to the hospital right away.

Treatment

Typical treatments for blood clots include:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners), which stop existing clots from growing and help prevent new ones from forming
• Thrombolytic therapy to dissolve clots
• Compression stockings
• Vena cava filters, small devices surgically inserted into veins to prevent a clot from traveling to the lungs

The best defense against blood clots is educating yourself on the signs and symptoms. If you suspect you’re having clot symptoms or vein problems, contact our experts at Texas Vascular Institute, by phone at 972-646-8346, or by scheduling an appointment online.