Health & Wellbeing

Don't Ignore These 8 Warning Signs of a Blood Clot

David B.

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Blood clotting is a normal process that the human body carries out in order to stop external bleeding. However, sometimes blood clots happen when they're not meant to, such as when it's still within your veins. When this occurs, blood clotting can become life-threatening. Internal clotting can be a cause of heart attacks, strokes, as well as other serious medical conditions. Fortunately, there are 8 common ways to notice if you're suffering from a blood clot:

1. Swelling in One Limb

Don't Ignore These 8 Warning Signs of a Blood Clot

One serious type of blood clot is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When DVT occurs, oxygen is prevented from reaching your vital organs. This results in poor blood circulation, which ends up causing swelling. If one or more of your limbs is inexplicably swollen, it would be best to consult your doctor.

2. Leg Pain or Tenderness

People suffering from DVT also commonly experience leg pain or tenderness. In addition to making the limbs swell, DVT may also cause the legs to ache, be sore to the touch, or to cramp up.

3. Chest Pain and Heavy Breathing

Chest pain should never be ignored, and neither should heavy breathing. If both of these symptoms are experienced simultaneously, experts say that you could be suffering from a blood clot in the lungs. Such a clot can quickly turn fatal, so should you experience these symptoms, then stop whatever you're doing, and seek medical attention right away.

4. Shortness of Breath

Much like with heavy breathing, shortness of breath is never a symptom you should ignore. If you notice that you're finding it hard to breathe, have a racing heart, feel a fluttering sensation in your chest, or experience any dizziness, then you may be suffering from a clot in the lungs. These symptoms, particularly when experienced simultaneously, warrant immediate medical attention.

5. A Random Cough Without a Cold

If you aren't ill but are coughing for seemingly no reason, then look out for other potential signs of a blood clot. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a noticeably increased heart rate.

6. Red Streaks Along Your Veins

If you notice red streaks on your skin that run down much of the length of your veins, then you should contact your doctor immediately. While blood clots typically cause bruising, streaking is a sign of a more severe and potentially life-threatening concern. These streaks will also make your skin feel a lot warmer to the touch, which is another way of identifying a clot.

7. Severe, Chronic Headaches

If you are continually experiencing very painful headaches, whilst also having trouble speaking or seeing, then this may indicate a blood clot in your brain. Needless to say, this is extremely serious, and you should seek medical assistance immediately.

8. Vomiting or Diarrhea

Severe diarrhea and/or vomiting is never normal under any circumstances. However, if these symptoms keep persisting, then you should contact a medical professional, as they could indicate a blood clot in the abdominal region.

Source: shareably
Images: depositphotos

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