Know the Risks, Signs & Symptoms of Blood Clots
A blood clot is a clump of blood that has changed from a liquid to a gel-like or semisolid state. Clotting is a necessary process that can prevent you from losing too much blood in certain instances, such as when you're injured. However, when clots form inside your veins without a good reason and don't dissolve naturally, they can be harmful.
There are different types of blood clots, and they can occur in different parts of the body:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This type occurs in the deep veins, usually in the leg. It can cause leg pain or swelling, but may occur without symptoms.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): A PE happens when a DVT clot breaks free from a vein wall, travels to the lungs, and blocks some or all of the blood supply. Symptoms of a PE can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, and a rapid heart rate.
- Arterial clots: These occur in the arteries and can cause symptoms like stroke, heart attack, or severe pain and swelling in the affected area.
The risk factors for blood clots include long periods of immobility, certain medical conditions (like heart disease or cancer), pregnancy, smoking, being overweight, and taking certain medications like birth control pills.
Treatment for blood clots may involve medications like anticoagulants, which help prevent the blood from clotting easily, or thrombolytics, which dissolve existing clots. In some cases, surgery or mechanical clot removal may be necessary.
Prevention of blood clots often involves lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. People at high risk for clots may also need to take medication to prevent them.