Signs of Blood Clots

Blood clotting helps repair injured vessels. In certain instances however, blood clots form when our bodies do not need them, which can lead to serious consequences and even death. They most commonly form in the deep veins of the legs but can appear in other areas. Deep vein clots can also break away and move to the heart, lungs and brain. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a blood clot can help save your life. If you suspect you have one, you should seek care right away, as it is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Venous Clots

• Venous clots most often appear in the legs and arms. They occur when the clot prevents the blood from returning to the heart. Symptoms include redness and warmth in the affected area, swelling, pain and tenderness. The Mayo Clinic notes the pain often feels like the cramping that occurs when you get a “charley horse.”

Arterial Clots

• Arterial clots prevent oxygen from getting to the affected area. This can manifest as pain, loss of function of the affected area, heart attack, stroke, white, weak limbs, loss of sensation and bloody diarrhea if the bowel has been affected.

Pulmonary Embolism

• Pulmonary embolisms occur when a blood clot deep in the veins breaks away and travels to the lung. Signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include trouble breathing even when at rest, a chest pain that usually worsens when taking a deep breath, coughing up blood, rapid heart beat, weakness, lightheadedness and blue tinge to the skin due to loss of oxygen.