Experts predict that blood clots will kill between 60,000 and 100,000 people in the United States each year. Despite their prevalence and the numerous medicines available, blood clots continue to kill a large number of individuals. They either wait too long or don’t seek treatment.
Of course, there are steps we can take to care for ourselves. Together, we can raise awareness, and being aware of the life-saving warning signs your body emits will perhaps motivate more individuals to seek treatment as soon as possible. A blood clot arises when blood hardens in the blood arteries, causing an obstruction. Such an event makes it more difficult for regular blood flow to get past the obstruction, and massive blood clots can result in heart attacks or failure.
Often, it is impossible to explain why someone develops a blood clot. It can also be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be mild. As a result, it is critical to understand the warning signs sent by your body to seek treatment as soon as possible. We’ve compiled a list of eight indications that everyone should be aware of.
1. Swollen calves
Blood clots often form in the calves. This is referred to as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, and happens when oxygen fails to reach critical organs. This, in turn, promotes poor blood circulation and increased calf swelling, which is a typical indication of blood clots.
In addition to swelling and a warm sensation, a blood clot can cause redness or discoloration.
2. Pain or tenderness in the legs
Another typical symptom of DVT is discomfort in your legs, calves, or feet.
Squeezing your calf may also cause soreness or tension.
3. Red stripes along your veins
If you notice large veins with red stripes running beside them, the phenomenon might indicate a blood clot.
They may also be painful or heated, which are two further signs to look out for.
4. Chest pain
If you get a blood clot in your lungs, you must see a doctor right away.
An ache that feels like a hole on one side of your chest is an essential warning indicator. You may start to experience pain in your chest or back. You may also feel pressure in the center of your chest, which can be difficult to distinguish from other chest symptoms.
5. Difficulty breathing
Do not ignore the signs of strained breathing. A blood clot in your lungs may be the cause of your difficulty breathing, pounding heart, cold sweats, and dizziness or faintness.
If you have all of the symptoms listed above, it’s a warning flag that you shouldn’t ignore. It would be advisable to consult your doctor promptly.
6. Dry coughing
If you are not sick but are coughing for no reason, look for other signs of a lung blood clot, like heart palpitations, chest pain, and trouble breathing.
In rare situations, you may cough up bloody phlegm.
For example, in 2022, Hollie Olding, a professional footballer, developed a distressingly acute illness from a seemingly minor dry cough. When doctors discovered that her chronic cough was a sign of a blood clot lodged in her lungs, the situation deteriorated.
7. Vomiting and diarrhea
A blood clot in your intestines can cause intense aches in your stomach and abdomen.
You may feel ill, have nausea, and have diarrhea with visible blood.
8. Severe headache
Stroke refers to a blood clot or bleeding in the brain. It results in a shortage of oxygen in the brain, which can induce a severe headache. It may also cause you to have unexpected difficulty seeing or speaking.
Other frequent stroke symptoms include numbness and paralysis (usually on one side of the body), disorientation, and dizziness.
By recognising these 8 signs I hope we can save more lives in the future. Please share this article on Facebook to spread the news, and don’t forget to take care of yourself!