Some forms of blood clots, like bruises and cuts, are nothing to worry about. If you have a cut, your blood starts to coagulate and forms a scab to prevent blood loss. But blood clots inside your body are called thrombosis and can be fatal. Thrombosis often acts as the main cause of the appearance of varicose veins. Learn more about methods of preventing this dangerous condition in the video below.
Below is a checklist of six symptoms that are signs of thrombosis and require urgent medical attention:
Swelling in one of your limbs
It may be a sign of decreased blood flow to the limb caused by deep vein thrombosis. This is dangerous, because blood clots prevent normal blood flow to your organs which deprives them of oxygen.
Leg or arm pain
If you experience pain in one of your extremities that feels like a cramp, and the area is tender and warm to the touch, it may be a sign of a blood clot.
Red streaks on your skin
Bruises are also a form of a blood clot, but usual bruises don’t have those. If you see red streaks along your veins, and the area feels warm to the touch, you need immediate medical attention.
Chest pains when you take a deep breath
If you feel sharp pain in your chest when you breathe deeply, it may feel like a heart attack. But it could be a blood clot in your lungs, which can lead to pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is often fatal, so call an ambulance if you have this symptom.
Shortness of breath
If you can’t inhale deeply, it may be a sign of blood clot in your lungs. If you also feel light-headed, you heart rate is increased and you have a fluttering sensation in your chest, all of these symptoms are a sign that you need to a doctor.
Coughing
If you start coughing for no apparent reason (i.e. if you aren’t sick with cold or any other illness that normally causes coughing) and you also have increased heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, and one or several symptoms described above, this is a medical emergency.
