Symptoms
Symptoms of a blood clot vary depending on the location of the clot:
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – usually in the leg:
Swelling in one leg (rarely both legs)
Pain or tenderness in the leg, which may only occur when standing or walking
Skin that is warm to the touch
Reddish or bluish skin discoloration
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) – clot travels to the lung:
Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or cough
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Rapid pulse
Coughing up blood
Arterial Clot (clot in an artery):
Severe pain
Numbness or weakness
Coldness in the affected limb
Pale or bluish discoloration of the skin
Clot in the Brain (Stroke):
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
Causes
Blood clots can form for a variety of reasons, including:
Injury: Damage to a blood vessel can trigger clotting.
Surgery: Surgery can increase the risk of clots.
Immobility: Prolonged sitting or lying down (e.g., during long trips or bed rest) slows blood flow.
Certain medical conditions: Cancer, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions increase risk.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs.
Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy: These can increase the risk of clotting.
Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases clot risk.
Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of blood clots.
Genetics: Some people have inherited blood clotting disorders.
Medicine Used
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): These medications prevent new clots from forming and existing clots from growing. Examples include:
Heparin (administered by injection or IV)
Warfarin (Coumadin) (oral medication)
Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) such as Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Apixaban (Eliquis), Edoxaban (Savaysa), and Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
Thrombolytics (Clot Busters): These are used in emergency situations to dissolve life-threatening clots quickly. Examples include:
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
Is Communicable
Blood clots are not communicable. They are not caused by infectious agents and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Stay Active: Regular exercise improves circulation.
Move Regularly: Avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Take breaks to walk around.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep blood flowing smoothly.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases the risk of clots.
Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels.
Compression Stockings: Wear compression stockings, especially during long periods of sitting or standing, to improve circulation in your legs.
Manage Underlying Conditions: Control conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Consult with your doctor if you have risk factors for blood clots or are planning surgery or long travel.
How long does an outbreak last?
Blood clots are not caused by an outbreak. The condition represents the occurance of the clot and time to heal from the effects, not as the communicable nature of an outbreak.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a blood clot depends on its location:
DVT:
Duplex Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualize blood flow in the veins.
D-dimer Blood Test: Measures a substance released when a blood clot breaks down. A high level may indicate a clot, but further testing is needed.
PE:
CT Pulmonary Angiogram: A CT scan with contrast dye to visualize blood vessels in the lungs.
Ventilation-Perfusion (V/Q) Scan: Assesses airflow and blood flow in the lungs.
Pulmonary Angiogram: An invasive procedure where dye is injected into the pulmonary arteries, followed by X-rays.
Arterial Clot/Stroke:
CT Scan or MRI: Imaging tests to visualize the brain.
Angiography: X-ray imaging of blood vessels after injecting contrast dye.
General Tests:
Blood Tests: To assess clotting factors and overall health.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and progression of symptoms vary significantly depending on the location and severity of the clot:
Sudden Onset: Symptoms like shortness of breath (PE), severe pain (arterial clot), or neurological deficits (stroke) can appear suddenly and require immediate medical attention.
Gradual Onset: DVT symptoms, such as leg swelling and pain, may develop gradually over a few days. There is no set "timeline" as the symptoms can depend on many different variables
Important Considerations
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Individuals with risk factors should discuss preventative measures with their doctor.
Adherence to prescribed medications is essential for managing blood clots and preventing recurrence.
Lifestyle modifications, such as staying active and maintaining a healthy weight, can reduce the risk of blood clots.
Awareness of symptoms can lead to earlier detection and treatment.