Do you know the symptoms of a blood clot?
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
A clot that typically is in one leg (can also be in arm). Symptoms range from mild to severe; may involve the foot, ankle, calf, whole leg or arm.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Discoloration (bluish or reddish)
- Warmth
Pulmonary Embolism:
A blood clot in the lungs
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain (may be worse with deep breath)
- Unexplained cough (may cough up blood)
- Unexplained rapid heart rate
If you have any of these symptoms, get medical help right away!
Are you at risk for a blood clot?
Factors that increase risk
Immobility:
- Hospitalization
- Prolonged sitting
Surgery and Trauma:
- Major surgery (pelvis, abdomen, hip, knee)
- Bone fracture or cast
- Catheter in a big vein
Increased estrogen:
- Birth control pills, patches, rings
- Pregnancy, for up to 6 weeks after giving birth
- Hormone therapy
Medical conditions:
- Cancer and its treatment
- Heart failure
Other risk factors:
- Previous blood clot
- Family history of clots
- Clotting disorder
- Obesity
- Smoking
Click here to learn more about deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism including subtle symptoms and how clots are diagnosed.