Signs of a blood clot can differ, and sometimes can even go unnoticed. Make sure you know what to pay attention to when looking for clues!
Blood clots can put your health at risk. Below we will tell you why and what are the signs that you should take into account.
When clots form inside blood vessels, health is at risk. Why? Because a clot is a mass of blood that changes its state, from liquid to semi-solid.
When this jelly-like mass falls off, it can partially or completely block an artery or vein, known as a thrombosis. Since our entire body is connected by blood vessels, a clot can travel anywhere and this is very dangerous.
If it travels to the heart, brain, or lungs, it runs the risk of getting stuck and causing what’s called a stroke or stroke. There are two types of blood clots:
- Arterial. Those that are formed in the arteries and do not allow oxygen to reach the main organs.
Clots cause a number of complications such as heart attacks, strokes, nerve paralysis, and severe pain.
- Venous. They form in the veins slowly and therefore the symptoms gradually become noticeable.
It is common for them to appear on the arms, legs, and pelvis.
Usually these clots remain immobile, but there is always the risk that they can move and become a health risk.
Risk factors
- Long periods in bed or at rest, that is, staying in the same position for a long time.
- Consumption of certain contraceptives.
- Family history of circulatory disorders.
- The sedentary lifestyle.
- The obesity.
- Smoking.
- Age.
Signs of a blood clot to pay attention to
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Unexplained cough and shortness of breath
A clot in the lungs slows the flow of oxygen, causing your heart rate to increase. Accelerated palpitations, accompanied by shortness of breath, are often interpreted as a warning sign for a pulmonary embolism.
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Changes in mood
Symptoms such as irritability and confusion, accompanied by hallucinations or seizures can indicate that something is wrong and even a possible arterial thrombosis in the brain.
This happens when a blood clot obstructs the regular flow of oxygen and glucose in the bloodstream, causing the brain to not function properly.
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Fatigue
By having a blood clot, the body activates its defense organisms, which can lead to exhaustion. Now, it must be remembered that the causes of fatigue are often difficult to diagnose, so it is very important to be attentive to other symptoms.
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Swelling in the extremities
Deep vein thrombosis is a condition that can present, among its symptoms, swelling of the extremities, especially the lower ones. Therefore, you should be careful if the swelling develops quickly, especially if it is painful.
On the other hand, it may be an inflammation due to fluid retention. When in doubt, consult your doctor.
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Arm or leg pain
The pain is localized and stabbing. It occurs many times when walking or flexing the limbs. Sometimes it can be accompanied by a feeling of numbness.
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Distended veins
Distended veins do not usually lead to major complications, but when a clot puts pressure on blood vessels, they can cause internal ruptures, redness, or bruising. In these cases, varicose veins appear as a product of a venous thrombosis in the legs.
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Red streaks on the skin
When you have red streaks or lines on your skin along your veins, it may be blood clots. Especially if the lines feel hot to the touch. To rule out the probability of an arterial thrombosis, see your doctor.
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Fever
When you have a blood clot and it enters your bloodstream, it can cause a fever. This discomfort is usually accompanied by sweating, tremors, migraines, dehydration, body weakness and loss of appetite.
Treatment
There are anticoagulant drugs that reduce blood clotting to prevent clots from forming and to prevent existing clots from enlarging and causing complications. They are the most widely used drugs for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
There are oral anticoagulants such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and edoxoban; and other injectables such as heparin. All anticoagulants can cause bleeding, so careful monitoring must be maintained.
Recommendations to prevent blood clots
- Be careful if you take oral contraceptives, as hormones increase blood clotting.
- Try to eat foods rich in vitamin B3, C and E such as garlic, minerals, zinc, magnesium, manganese and mineral supplements for good circulation.
- Stop smoking, as smoking increases blood clots.
- Maintain a suitable weight, according to your height and body mass index.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are the main cause of cardiovascular accidents and heart attacks caused by blood clots that break off into the bloodstream. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a good exercise routine.
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