A blood clot is formed when blood interacts with substances on vessel walls or in the skin. Clotting is a process that prevents too much blood loss in certain instances, like when you have an injury or cut.Blood clots have long strands of fibrous proteins that strengthen them and permit them to act like durable plugs and tough.
Are blood clots dangerous? Yes, they can be, especially when they fail to dissolve after forming inside a vein. Immobile blood clots are harmless, but if it breaks free and moves to the heart and lungs through the veins, it can get stuck preventing blood flow. In such a case, you will require immediate treatment.
What Causes Blood Clots?
Blood clots can form due to various factors such as underlying medical conditions and a sedentary lifestyle that makes the blood clot differently or reduce the blood flow in the circulatory system.
Genetic factors and family history may also increase your risk for blood clots
The following are factors that can increase one’s chances of developing a blood clot:
- Obesity or overweight
- Recently having cancer
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Taking estrogen based on hormone therapy or birth control
- Bed rest or extended travel
- Having an inflammatory illness like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease
- Smoking cigarettes
- Major surgery, especially of the abdomen, pelvis, knee, or hip
If you have any of the named risk factors and are displaying symptoms of blood clots, contact or visit an ER near you.
How to Get Rid of Blood Clots?
Some blood clots dissolve on their own with time. However, getting rid of a blood clot may require a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
Improving circulation and maintaining a constant blood flow can reduce the risk of blood clots. This can be done by wearing compression stockings or socks and frequent physical activity.
Compression socks apply pressure to the leg and foot to improve blood flow and bring down swelling.
Doctors treat certain blood clots with anticoagulant medications (also referred to as blood thinners) in instances where the blood clot is blocking a deep vein or if it presents a danger of getting loose and moving to the heart. Blood thinners prevent clots from enlarging and stops new clots from forming.
Some patients may require a surgical procedure to remove the clot, but such cases are very rare.
Vena cava filters are used in cases where a patient is unable to take blood thinners. A filter is placed in the inferior vena cava (the largest vein in the body) to apprehend blood clots that travel to the lungs.
Blood clot treatment options depend on the severity of the clot and the location.
If you require emergency care, don’t hesitate to contact Express ER (Harker Heights). We have a team of medical professionals that provide the best medical care, and they are also in possession of the latest technology to provide quick and effective treatment options.
Where Can Blood Clots Form?
Clots can occur in various parts of the body, each with different symptoms:
- Legs and arms
Blood clot symptoms vary in extremities. They can include cramping, pain, swelling, red skin, tenderness, and a warm sensation. Clots in larger veins are known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Heart
A blood clot in the heart can result in a heart attack. Some common symptoms of clots in the heart include sweating, pain in the left arm or chest, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.
- Lungs
A clot that travels to the lungs is referred to as a pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms of PE are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, sweating, skin discoloration, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and swelling in the legs.
- Brain
An ischemic stroke can cause difficulty understanding speech or speaking, sudden decreased, blurred, or double vision, general weakness, severe headache, and seizures.
- Abdomen
Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody stools, and nausea.
You should go to an emergency room near you if you think you have a blood clot.
How to Prevent Blood Clots?
It’s impossible to eliminate the potential for blood clots completely, but you can lower the risk through the following ways:
- Stay active, engage yourself in regular physical activity
- Avoid sitting for long periods
- Stay hydrated. Drinking water regularly improves your general health, and you are less likely to develop a blood clot.
- Quit smoking. Cigarette components can have a negative impact on your blood circulation.
- Maintain a moderate weight. Obesity adds more pressure to the veins, increasing your risk of blood clots.
