Blood clots can be serious and potentially life-threatening, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if you suspect you may have one. Here are some common symptoms of blood clots and when to see a healthcare provider:
- Swelling: Unexplained swelling, particularly in one leg or arm, can be a sign of a blood clot. The affected limb may feel warm to the touch.
- Pain or tenderness: Pain, tenderness, or aching in the affected area, especially if it persists or worsens over time, may indicate a blood clot.
- Redness or discoloration: Skin that appears red, blue, or purple, particularly around the site of the clot, can be a sign of reduced blood flow due to a clot.
- Warmth: The affected area may feel warmer than the surrounding skin.
- Shortness of breath: If a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which can lead to sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or coughing up blood. This is a medical emergency.
- Chest pain: Chest pain or discomfort that worsens with deep breathing or coughing may indicate a pulmonary embolism.
- Headache: If a blood clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke, which may present as a sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or vision changes.
If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly if they are severe or sudden, seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve on their own, especially if you have risk factors for blood clots, such as a history of clotting disorders, recent surgery or prolonged immobility, smoking, obesity, or use of hormonal contraceptives.
It’s also worth noting that some people may have blood clots without experiencing any symptoms, so if you have concerns about your risk, talk to your healthcare provider about preventive measures and monitoring.