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Signs & Symptoms of Aortic Blood Clot

The heart is a complex, multi-chamber organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. The aortic valve found in the left ventricle, allows the blood to stream from the left ventricle into the aorta, a large blood vessel that delivers blood to the head and body. Due to congenital defects or old age, problems can arise with the aorta.

  1. Shortness of Breath

    • When healthy, the aorta wall is expandable and extends and then retracts as needed to adjust to the amount of blood flow needed. When the aorta clots or becomes constricted, the heart must compensate by pumping extra blood. Symptoms include shortness of breath. Initially, this may only be noticeable after physical activity. As the clotting worsens, you could experience trouble breathing even while resting.

    Chest Pain

    • As clotting becomes more pronounced, you can experience an uncomfortable feeling in your chest. Angina, also known as chest pain, can occur as well as feeling constricted in your chest. Often times these painful feelings will take place after physical activity.

    Other Symptoms

    • Other symptoms can include the sensation that your heart is throbbing or beating faster than normal. Also if you experience pain specific to one leg, most often the calf, or notice varicose veins, these can be signs of a clot.

    Seriousness

    • If you experience signs or symptoms of an aortic clot, consult your physician immediately. By the time these signs and symptoms arise, chances are your condition is severe and you will need some form of treatment.

    In Pets

    • Blood clots in the aorta, also known as aortic thromboembolism, is not limited to humans. The condition is common in cats. Formed blood clots can break free and journey in the blood vessels until they become wedged. Clots commonly form around rear legs cutting off circulation to the hind quarters.

      Symptoms of a blood clot in cat can include lugging hind legs, trouble breathing and panting. The condition is painful in felines causing the animal to cry. With blood clots, a cat’s hind legs will feel and cold and the feet will turn blue due to the shortage of blood. If your animal has these symptoms, take the cat to see a vet right away.

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