When part of a clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, where it causes a blockage, it is called a pulmonary embolism, or PE.
This is an immediate emergency situation that cannot be ignored or postponed.
In today’s video, we look at 10 warning signs of a blood clot in the legs. The video is at the bottom of the article.
We will also reveal a “hidden” condition that causes blood clots to form and how you can prevent them.
Number 10. Inflammation.
Leg swelling may be a sign of a blood clot (or thrombus), especially if other home treatments for inflammation, such as hot and cold compresses, fail to relieve the symptom. The density of the tissue and bones in this area of the body makes it difficult for clots to break down or be absorbed naturally. If you experience unexplained swelling in your calf, ankle, or upper leg, consult a doctor immediately.
Number 9. Redness of the skin.
There are many reasons why a person’s skin turns red, such as sun exposure or an allergic reaction. If the redness is accompanied by dark spots, it could be a blood clot. These clots can grow in size over time for no apparent reason. If the redness persists after an injury or surgery, consult a doctor.
Number 8. Warm skin.
The skin around the blood clot becomes warm to the touch and may even radiate heat. If the symptom persists and cold compresses don’t help, consult a doctor. Warm skin may also be accompanied by tingling and throbbing.
Number 7. Tenderness.
The skin surrounding the clot may become sore or sensitive to the touch. In addition to the sharp pain, this symptom often forces patients to rely on the other leg for relief, which can lead to muscle and joint strains.
Number 6. Increased heart rate.
When a blood clot in the leg grows, the body works hard to eliminate it. Vital organs must work harder, resulting in an increased heart rate. A higher heart rate can cause specific symptoms, such as shortness of breath and chest pain. A rapid heartbeat not attributable to physical activity or other known causes should be evaluated by a doctor.
Number 5. Fever.
When a blood clot breaks loose and enters the bloodstream, some people develop a fever. This fever may be accompanied by chills, sweating, headache, weakness, dehydration, fatigue, and muscle aches. In severe cases, the fever can reach very high levels, causing mood swings, confusion, and other psychological abnormalities.
Number 4. Dilated veins.
Sometimes, dilated or swollen veins can be a sign of a blood clot. Clots that become large can compress surrounding blood vessels. People with varicose veins are at increased risk of developing blood clots in the deep veins of the leg.
Number 3. Fainting.
Fainting is often associated with low blood sugar or dehydration, but it can also be a sign of a blood clot. When a blood clot blocks the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain, you may feel dizzy or faint. If the blood clot travels to the lungs, you may experience respiratory symptoms. Many people aren’t aware that a blood clot can cause fainting. This can lead to misdiagnosis.
Number 2. Tiredness.
When a clot grows, the body’s natural defense mechanisms overreact to eliminate it. This can require a significant expenditure of energy and resources, leaving the person feeling tired. Even after sleeping, they may feel tired and weak. Unexplained fatigue could be a sign of a blood clot, especially if they experience pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area.
Number 1. No symptoms.
In about half of cases of blood clots in the leg, no symptoms appear until the clot breaks loose and lodges in the lungs. There is a limited time in which doctors can treat or remove the clot before it causes life-threatening consequences such as pulmonary embolism.
So what are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?
These include low blood oxygen levels, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, low fever, and low blood pressure.
Contact a doctor as soon as multiple symptoms appear. If diagnosed promptly, treatments such as anticoagulants and thrombolytics can be administered, which can dissolve the clot before it causes serious damage.
So what are the consequences of deep vein thrombosis?
The CDC estimates that 50% of those who survive a blood clot experience long-term consequences for the rest of their lives. And a third will have another clot within 10 years of the first.
When blood clots damage venous valves, they cause a condition called post-thrombotic syndrome, or PTS. Symptoms of PTS include swelling, pain, discoloration, and, in severe cases, scaling or ulcers in the affected body part. Sometimes, these symptoms can be so severe that they cause disability.
Furthermore, this condition that causes deep vein thrombosis is largely ignored.
This condition, known as high blood viscosity, not only increases the risk of DVT, but also increases the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
High blood viscosity means that the blood is very thick and sticky. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood and increases friction within the veins.
When blood flow becomes slow, the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to cells and organs decreases.
To find out the viscosity of your blood, you can ask your doctor for a complete blood count.
A study from the University of Edinburgh in the UK has conclusively shown that high blood viscosity is at least as important as blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol in predicting death from heart attack