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What is a Blood Clot?

We all experience blood clots from time to time, when we are bleeding; our body creates blood clots to stop the bleeding. However, when a blood clot prevents the natural flow of blood, blocks a vein, or blocks an artery, it becomes harmful and extremely hazardous to our health. Generally, our bodies naturally create the blood clots when a blood vessel has been damaged, then after a few days the vessel will heal and the blood clot will dissolve.

A thrombus, which is the medical terminology used to describe a blood clot that has stopped blood flow, blocked a vein, or blocked an artery. This type of blood clot generally begins within the leg. If it breaks free and begins to travel throughout the body, it can lead to the lungs, pelvis, smaller blood vessels, and cause potential problems, which are potentially fatal.

Symptoms of a Blood Clot

A person can experience many possible effects with a blood clot. For example, if they have deep vein thrombosis, also referred to as DVT, which is located within the veins of the pelvic or legs, can suffer from any of the following symptoms: prominent veins, discoloration, tenderness, swelling, or pain within the muscles of the legs or the calf.

If a person is suffering from a pulmonary embolus, which affects the lung, they may experience these symptoms: pain in the chest, shortness in breath, or coughing up blood.

The above symptoms are extremely serious and life threatening, therefore, if you notice any of these signs you should immediately seek medical attention.

Other symptoms of a blood clot includes heart arrhythmia, wheezing, painful breathing, faintness, dizziness, pain in the upper abdomen, pain in the shoulders, or pain in the back. Furthermore, a blood clot could result in becoming blind suddenly within one eye or even a stroke or heart attack.

Am I at Risk?

Some people are at an increased risk of developing a blood clot. For example, those who suffer from any type of cancer have a high risk of developing blood clots. It is for this reason, that cancer patients generally cannot travel far distances in cars, trains, or airplanes, without having to stop now and then to walk and get their flow of blood moving again.

Some other people who are at increased risk includes those who are under a physician's order for bed rest or have decreased mobility. Those who suffer from obesity, have a history of DVT, or have suffered fractures have an increased risk as well. Elderly people, smokers, women taking birth control, those with arteriosclerosis, and those undergoing chemotherapy also have higher risks of developing a blood clot.

It is important to watch for the signs of a blood clot, as well as understand if you are at a high risk of developing one.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about blood clots.