Blood Clots 101
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Management
Prevention
What to Expect
Living Well
Blood clots form when your body’s clotting system—normally used to stop bleeding—activates when it isn’t needed. A clot in a blood vessel can slow or block blood flow, preventing oxygen from reaching the tissues that depend on it. This process is called thrombosis.
Clots can form in veins or arteries anywhere in your body. If part of a clot breaks off and travels to another part of the body, it’s called an embolism. Both situations can be serious if left untreated.
Clots that form in the deep veins are often called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a clot travels to the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism (PE).
With early diagnosis and proper care, many people can manage blood clots effectively, and serious complications can often be prevented.
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Symptoms and Causes
Blood clots can cause different symptoms depending on where they form and how much they block blood flow. You may notice symptoms right away, or they may start as mild discomfort. Clots can also develop for many reasons, including certain health conditions, lifestyle factors, and situations that affect blood flow or clotting.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis usually forms in the deep veins of your legs or arms. Common symptoms may include:
Swelling in one leg or arm
Pain, tenderness, or cramping that may worsen with movement
Warmth in the affected area
Red or discolored skin
You may have few or no symptoms with DVT, which is why clots can sometimes go unnoticed.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
A pulmonary embolism happens when a clot travels to your lungs. Symptoms often come on suddenly and may include:
Sudden shortness of breath
Chest discomfort that may worsen with deep breathing
Rapid heartbeat
Feeling light-headed, dizzy, or faint
Coughing, sometimes with blood
These symptoms can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Causes of Blood Clots
Blood clots can form when blood is not moving well, when your body is more prone to clotting, or when a blood vessel is damaged.
Common factors that can increase your risk include:
Long periods of sitting or limited movement, such as during travel or after surgery
Injuries or medical procedures that affect blood vessels
Certain health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, or infections
Hormone-related factors, including pregnancy or certain medications
A family history of clotting problems
Smoking
Older age
Excess weight or low physical activity
Often, more than one factor contributes to a clot forming. Understanding your personal risk factors can help you and your clinician take steps to reduce your risk.
Diagnosis and Tests
Blood clots are diagnosed using a combination of your symptoms, your medical history, and imaging tests. Because clots can form in different parts of the body, your clinician will choose tests based on where a clot is suspected.
How Blood Clots Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis usually begins with:
A review of your medical history to understand symptoms, risk factors, and recent events such as travel, surgery, or injury
A physical exam focused on the area where a clot is suspected
Blood tests, such as a D-dimer test, which can help show whether your body is forming or breaking down a clot
If a clot is still suspected, imaging tests are used to confirm the diagnosis.
Common Tests Used to Detect Blood Clots
Ultrasound: Often the first test used for suspected clots in the legs or arms
CT scan: Used when a clot in the lungs or abdomen is suspected
MRI: Sometimes used when a clot is suspected in the brain or when more detail is needed
V/Q scan: Measures airflow and blood flow in the lungs and can help diagnose a pulmonary embolism when a CT scan is not the best option
Management
Blood clots are treatable, and most people recover well with appropriate care. Treatment depends on the type of clot, where it is located, and your overall health. A clinician will help determine the safest approach to prevent the clot from growing or returning while lowering the risk of bleeding.
Medications
Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants, are the most common treatment for blood clots. These medications do not dissolve existing clots, but they help prevent new clots from forming and allow your body to gradually break down the clot on its own.
You may need blood thinners for a short time or for longer treatment, depending on your risk factors and medical history.
Other Treatments
In some situations, additional treatments may be needed. These can include procedures to remove or break up a clot, or devices that help prevent clots from traveling to critical areas of the body. These options are typically used in more serious cases or when blood thinners are not safe or effective.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up care may include regular check-ins with your clinician, monitoring for side effects, and adjusting treatment as needed. These visits also help ensure the clot is resolving and that steps are in place to reduce the risk of future clots.
Prevention
Not all blood clots can be prevented, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Prevention focuses on improving blood flow, managing underlying conditions, and reducing factors that make clots more likely to form.
Reducing Risk Factors
Your clinician may recommend steps to lower your risk based on your health history. These may include:
Staying physically active and avoiding long periods of sitting
Moving your legs regularly during travel or recovery
Managing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
Avoiding smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Even small changes can support better circulation and vascular health.
Medications for Prevention
In some cases, medications may be used to help prevent blood clots. These are often prescribed after surgery, for certain medical conditions, or if you have had a clot before. The length of treatment depends on your individual risk factors and should be discussed with a clinician.
Awareness and Early Action
Knowing your personal risk factors and recognizing early symptoms can make a difference. Seeking medical care promptly when symptoms appear helps reduce the risk of serious complications.
What to Expect
Recovery after a blood clot can look different for everyone. You may feel better within weeks, or it may take longer to regain your energy or adjust. Factors such as the size and location of the clot, other health conditions, and how early treatment begins all play a role.
Early Recovery
In the early weeks after diagnosis, treatment often focuses on stabilizing the clot and preventing complications. You may have follow-up visits, imaging tests, or blood work to monitor your progress. It’s common to have questions or concerns as you learn how treatment fits into daily life.
Ongoing Monitoring
You may continue treatment for several months, or longer if needed. Your clinician may reassess your risk factors, adjust medications, or recommend additional testing over time to ensure treatment remains safe and effective.
Possible Long-Term Effects
While many people recover without lasting issues, you may experience ongoing symptoms such as swelling, discomfort, or shortness of breath. These symptoms vary and should be discussed with a clinician, especially if they change or worsen.
Living Well
Living with blood clots often means learning how to balance treatment, daily activities, and long-term health.
Daily Habits and Routines
Building consistent daily habits can support circulation and overall vascular health. These habits may include staying active in ways that feel safe, taking medications as prescribed, and paying attention to how your body feels during the day.
Managing Stress and Emotional Health
A blood clot diagnosis can be stressful or frightening, especially at first. Feeling worried, uncertain, or afraid of another clot is common. Talking with a clinician, counselor, or support group can help you manage these emotions and feel more confident moving forward.
Knowing When to Seek Care
As you adjust to life with blood clots, it’s important to stay aware of symptoms that may need medical attention. New or worsening symptoms should always be discussed with a clinician, even if they seem minor.
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