GMB: Dr Amir Khan discusses blood clot symptoms
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
There are several signs and symptoms of blood clots. They are important to spot, as blood clots can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This can be dangerous and you will need quick medical attention.
Arterial clots in the brain are called strokes. Clots can also form in the heart arteries, causing heart attacks.
Stop the Clot, the health site, says there are several symptoms of a blood clot in the leg or arm.
These include swelling, pain or tenderness not caused by injury, skin that is warm to the touch, and redness or discolouration of the skin.
Stop the Clot health site says: “If you can recognise these signs and symptoms, you can save your life or the life of a friend or family member.”
READ MORE: Parkinson’s disease: Nine early signs – ‘If you have more than one talk to your doctor’
It adds: “If you have these signs or symptoms, alert your doctor as soon as possible.”
“If a clot plugs up veins in your arms or legs, they may look bluish or reddish,” explains WebMD.
The health site adds: “Your skin also might stay discoloured from the damage to blood vessels afterward.
“A pulmonary embolism in your lung could make your skin pale, bluish, and clammy.”
There are also several signs of a blood clot in your speech, according to the American Heart Association. These signs include “trouble speaking or understanding speech, suggesting a possible stroke”.
Some risk factors put certain people at higher risk for developing a blood clot.
Blood clots become more common as people get older, especially when they are over age 65. Moreover, you can be at higher risk if you have a family history of blood clots.
Sometimes, a blood clot in a vein can occur with no apparent underlying risk factor.
If you have symptoms of DVT, the NHS recommend that you book an urgent GP appointment or dial 111.
However, DVT can be very serious and can lead to a pulmonary embolism. This is when blood clots in your veins break loose, travel through your bloodstream and get stuck in your lungs.
A pulmonary embolism can be life threatening and needs treatment straight away.
People who cannot breathe or notice someone has passed out must call 999 or visit A&E.
If DVT is diagnosed, the main treatment is tablets of an anticoagulant medicine, such as warfarin and rivaroxaban. You will probably take the tablets for at least three months.
If you are pregnant or have just had a baby, your risk is higher. Similarly, if you have an inflammatory condition such as Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis, this can increase your risk of clots.
There are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.
For example, the NHS says you should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, as you’re more likely to get a clot if you’re dehydrated.
Source: Read Full Article