A blood clot (a.k.a.thrombosis) can form in a blood vessel and cause it to be blocked, interrupting the flow of blood to an organ or other body part and resulting in a serious medical condition. If the blood clot detaches from the wall of the blood vessel, it turns into an embolus, that is a traveling blood clot and this can block a smaller vessel elsewhere in the body.
Blood Clot Symptoms and Signs will depend on the location of the blood clot. Here is a Brief Guide:
If the clot is found in the lungs, a unexpected pain will present on the side of the chest and the sufferer may spit-up blood.
If the blood clot is positioned in an arm or leg, tingling or discomfort can develop and the limb may be weak, become pale or bluish, and feel chilly.
A blood clot in the brain will show signs of a stroke and/or a serious headache may develop.
If the blood clot grows in a vein, it may prohibit blood movement or break loose and travel to the lung area leading to a Pulmonary Embolism. Signs or symptoms linked with a blocked vein in the leg (most typical area) involve swelling in the ankle and calf, tenderness in the location of the clot, and elevated soreness with walking that does not relieve with relaxation.
There are a range of causes of blood clots including atherosclerosis, surgical procedure, extended bed rest, bone fracture (this may cause a blood clot in the leg, if the leg is fractured), heart disorder, or heart attack.
As for diagnosing a clot, the initial step is observation of the aforementioned signs and symptoms. If these symptoms are noted, after that it is critical that the person be evaluated by a physician as quickly as possible. The analysis may incorporate a physical examination and specialised x-rays of the artery or vein.
Blood clots are typical following surgical treatment or prolonged bed rest, for that reason, preventative measures ought to be taken such as moving the legs as quickly as feasible after a surgical procedure or taking anticoagulant (blood thinners) medicine for a short time after surgery. Preventative steps also involve managing dangerous components (i.e. stop cigarette smoking, exercise, control high blood pressure and diabetes).
If a blood clot has formed, a medical provider may prescribe anticoagulant medication or vasodilators (to increase the diameter of the blood vessel), or various medicines intended to dissolve the clot. Surgical treatment may be required in particular if the clot is in the leg.
This is a serious medical condition and you will want to learn all you can about Blood Clot Symptoms so you can be an active participant in your health care.
You can read more about this condition and use a free tool that walks you through your symptoms and leads you to an online diagnosis. Prepare yourself before your doctor’s visit and figure out what your symptoms means using this Medical Symptom Diagnosis Tool.