Is it dangerous for you whole arm to be badly bruised after blood test while on heparin pulmonary embolism?

Yes, it can be dangerous for your whole arm to be badly bruised after a blood test while on heparin for pulmonary embolism.

Here's why:

Heparin is a blood thinner medication used to prevent and treat blood clots. While on heparin, you are more likely to bruise or bleed easily, as the medication interferes with your blood's ability to clot.

A large or severe bruise on your arm after a blood test while on heparin could indicate:

- Excessive bleeding: The bruise may be a sign that the blood vessel punctured during the blood test is still bleeding and not clotting properly due to the effects of heparin.

- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Rarely, a large bruise that extends up your arm could be a symptom of a DVT, a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg or thigh. DVT can be a severe condition and can increase the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE), a blood clot in the lungs.

Symptoms of a DVT include:

- Swelling in the affected arm

- Pain or tenderness

- Warmth to the touch

- Discoloration of the skin

If you experience any of these symptoms along with a large or severe bruise on your arm after a blood test while on heparin, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.

Your doctor may recommend:

- Stopping or adjusting the dose of heparin

- Monitoring for signs of excessive bleeding or DVT

- Additional tests or imaging to assess the extent of the bruising or rule out other potential causes