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Blood clot on lower leg. Deep Vein Thrombosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention of Blood Clots in Legs

What are the signs of deep vein thrombosis. How does a blood clot in the leg feel. What increases the risk of developing DVT. How is deep vein thrombosis diagnosed and treated. Can DVT be prevented.

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. These clots can pose significant health risks, including the potential for a life-threatening pulmonary embolism if they break free and travel to the lungs.

DVT develops when blood flow in the veins slows down, causing blood cells to clump together. While it can happen to anyone, certain factors increase the risk of developing this condition.

Why is DVT dangerous?

DVT is dangerous because it can lead to severe complications:

  • The clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism
  • It can cause long-term damage to the veins in the affected area
  • In some cases, it can be fatal if not treated promptly

Therefore, recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for anyone suspecting they might have DVT.

Recognizing the Symptoms of DVT

Identifying DVT early is essential for effective treatment. However, it’s important to note that not everyone with DVT experiences symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Sudden swelling in the leg or arm
  • Pain or soreness when standing or walking
  • Warmth in the affected area
  • Enlarged or dilated veins
  • Persistent cramping sensation in the calf

Is DVT always symptomatic? No, DVT can sometimes be asymptomatic, making regular check-ups important for those at higher risk.

Pulmonary Embolism: A Serious Complication

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot breaks free from its original location and travels to the lungs. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of PE include:

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing
  • Coughing up blood
  • Rapid heart rate

Risk Factors for Developing DVT

Several factors can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing DVT. Understanding these risk factors can help in prevention and early detection:

Hormonal Changes

Hormones play a significant role in DVT risk assessment. The use of birth control, estrogen and testosterone treatments, and certain supplements can increase the risk of developing blood clots.

Age

While DVT can occur at any age, the risk increases significantly after age 35. Why does age increase DVT risk? As we age, our blood vessels become less flexible, and our blood flow may slow down, increasing the likelihood of clot formation.

Prolonged Immobility

Sitting or lying down for extended periods can lead to blood pooling in the legs, increasing the risk of clot formation. This includes situations such as:

  • Long flights or car rides (over 4 hours)
  • Extended bed rest
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Pregnancy

Pregnancy increases the risk of DVT due to:

  • Increased pressure on pelvic and leg veins
  • Hormonal changes affecting blood clotting
  • Potential compression of veins by the growing fetus

The risk can persist for up to 6 weeks postpartum.

Trauma or Injury

Injuries to the leg or other body parts can increase inflammation and limit mobility, both of which contribute to a higher risk of DVT.

Obesity

Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 have a higher risk of developing DVT. How does obesity contribute to DVT risk? Excess weight puts additional pressure on veins and can lead to poor circulation, increasing the likelihood of clot formation.

Cancer

Cancer and its treatments can significantly increase the risk of DVT. In fact, nearly half of diagnosed asymptomatic DVT cases are associated with an underlying malignancy.

Diagnosis and Imaging of DVT

Accurate diagnosis of DVT is crucial for effective treatment. However, current imaging practices may not always provide a complete picture:

Limitations of Standard Imaging Protocols

The American College of Radiology doesn’t require imaging below the knee for DVT diagnosis. This can lead to missed diagnoses, as studies have shown that:

  • 98% of DVT found above the knee had calf involvement
  • 54% of confirmed DVT cases would have been missed if the calf was not imaged

Importance of Comprehensive Vascular Imaging

For accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive vascular ultrasound should be performed by a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) or Sonographer (RVS). Patients should inquire about the technician’s experience and the imaging protocol used.

Prevention and Risk Reduction Strategies

While not all cases of DVT can be prevented, there are several strategies individuals can employ to reduce their risk:

Stay Active

Regular physical activity promotes healthy blood circulation. Even during long periods of sitting, such as during travel, it’s important to:

  • Take frequent breaks to walk and stretch
  • Perform simple leg exercises while seated
  • Stay hydrated

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy BMI can significantly reduce the risk of DVT. This involves:

  • Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Limiting processed foods and excessive salt intake
  • Engaging in regular physical activity

Manage Underlying Health Conditions

Properly managing conditions that increase DVT risk, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, is crucial. This may involve:

  • Taking prescribed medications as directed
  • Attending regular check-ups with healthcare providers
  • Making lifestyle modifications as recommended by medical professionals

Consider Compression Stockings

For individuals at higher risk of DVT, compression stockings can help improve blood flow in the legs. These stockings:

  • Apply gentle pressure to the legs, promoting better circulation
  • Can be particularly beneficial during long periods of immobility
  • Should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional

Treatment Options for DVT

When DVT is diagnosed, prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications and promote recovery. Treatment options may include:

Anticoagulant Medications

Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, are the primary treatment for DVT. These medications:

  • Prevent existing clots from growing larger
  • Reduce the risk of new clots forming
  • May be prescribed for several months or longer, depending on individual circumstances

Thrombolytic Therapy

In severe cases or when anticoagulants are not sufficient, thrombolytic therapy may be used. This treatment:

  • Involves administering drugs that dissolve blood clots
  • Is typically reserved for life-threatening situations or cases with a high risk of complications
  • Carries a higher risk of bleeding and is used cautiously

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to treat DVT:

  • Thrombectomy: A procedure to remove the blood clot
  • Inferior vena cava filter placement: Used to prevent clots from traveling to the lungs in patients who cannot take anticoagulants

Long-Term Management and Follow-Up Care

After initial treatment for DVT, ongoing management and follow-up care are crucial for preventing recurrence and managing potential complications:

Regular Medical Check-ups

Patients who have had DVT should:

  • Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider
  • Undergo periodic ultrasound examinations to monitor for recurrence or residual clots
  • Discuss any new symptoms or concerns promptly with their doctor

Lifestyle Modifications

Long-term management of DVT often involves lifestyle changes:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise
  • Quitting smoking, if applicable
  • Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
  • Avoiding prolonged periods of immobility

Ongoing Medication Management

Some patients may need to continue anticoagulant therapy long-term:

  • Regular blood tests may be required to monitor medication effectiveness
  • Adjustments to medication dosage or type may be necessary over time
  • Patients should be educated about potential drug interactions and side effects

Emerging Research and Future Directions in DVT Management

The field of DVT research is constantly evolving, with new treatments and prevention strategies on the horizon:

Novel Anticoagulants

Researchers are developing new anticoagulant medications that may offer:

  • Improved safety profiles
  • More convenient dosing schedules
  • Reduced need for regular blood monitoring

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Emerging imaging technologies may enhance DVT diagnosis:

  • More sensitive ultrasound techniques for detecting smaller clots
  • Advanced MRI protocols for comprehensive vascular imaging
  • Artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis for improved accuracy

Personalized Risk Assessment

Future approaches to DVT management may include:

  • Genetic testing to identify individuals at higher risk
  • Personalized prevention strategies based on individual risk factors
  • Tailored treatment plans incorporating patient-specific biomarkers

As research in this field progresses, it is likely that DVT prevention, diagnosis, and treatment will become increasingly sophisticated and personalized, leading to better outcomes for patients at risk of this serious condition.

What is DVT? Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Testing

 

If the venous blood moves too slowly through your veins, it can cause blood cells to clump together; this is called a clot. When a blood clot forms in a vein deep
inside your body, it causes what doctors call “deep vein thrombosis” (DVT). This is most likely to happen in your lower leg; however, it can occur in your thigh or pelvis. Blood clots can occur
in other parts of your body, too. DVT can lead to significant health problems. In some cases, it can be fatal. That’s why you must immediately seek
medical attention if you think you have one.

Not everyone with DVT shows symptoms. But you might notice any of the
following:

  • Leg or arm swelling that comes on without warning
  • Pain or soreness when you stand or walk
  • Warmth in the area that hurts
  • Enlarged or dilated veins
  • Cramping sensation in the calf that just won’t go away

 

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is when a blood clot breaks free
and moves through your veins. It travels to your lung and gets stuck in a blood vessel that provides oxygen to the lungs. Doctors call this a pulmonary embolism, or PE. It can be fatal or cause
significant long-term disability. PEs can vary in size, and most fatal PEs are from large blood clots that travel from the legs or pelvis. How big is a blood clot? It surprises most people that many healthcare physicians do not understand blood clots or DVTs
and how they affect their patients.  

Some people don’t know they have DVT until a PE happens.

Signs of PE include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain that’s worse when you take a deep breath
  • Coughing up blood
  • Increased heart rate

 

Many things can increase your likelihood of getting DVT. Here are the
most common:

  • Change in Blood Chemistry: Hormones play a massive part in the risk assessment for DVT. Birth control, estrogen and
    testosterone injections, supplements, or pills increase the risk for DVT. 
  • Aging. Deep vein thrombus (DVT) can happen at any age; however, your risk is greater after age
    35. 
  • Sitting for long periods. When you sit or lie down for extended lengths of time, the venous blood flow in your legs
    pool or become stagnant. Muscle contraction is the heart of the venous system; sitting makes it hard for blood in the veins to move around as it should. Extended bed rest, long car rides, or
    flights over four hours put you at risk for developing thrombus or DVT.
  • Pregnancy. Carrying a fetus puts more pressure on the veins in your pelvis and legs. Statistically,
    22-32% of people have iliac vein compression. Iliac vein compression is when the primary vein from the leg into the pelvis is compressed by another anatomical structure, commonly the artery.
    In pregnancy, the fetus can intrinsically cause compression increasing the possibility of developing DVT. Add in trauma and a change in blood chemistry through sedation, and the risk
    increases. In some women, a DVT can happen up to 6 weeks after they give birth.
  •  Trauma: An injury to the leg or other body parts increases inflammation and limits people’s mobility. Inflammation and mobility combine to increase the risk of developing
    DVT. 
  • Obesity. Obese patients defined as a body mass index (BMI) over 30 have a higher risk of developing
    DVT. 
  • Cancer: It is estimated that nearly half of diagnosed asymptomatic DVT is due to an underlying
    malignancy. 

 

Imaging of Calf Veins

Did you know that the American College of Radiology doesn’t require imaging below the knee!

 

Radiology Department often misses up to 50% of deep vein thrombosis due to poor imaging protocols.  

An 8-year study showed that 98% of DVT found above the knee had calf involvement and that
54% of the patients who had confirmed DVT would have been called normal if the calf was not imaged. 

 

Dedicated Vascular Lab

If you are having a vascular ultrasound performed, it should be by a Registered Vascular
Technologist or Sonographer. RVT or RVS. Even then, as a patient, it is your right to know how much experience they have. Ask questions; it is your right!

 

What Does a Blood Clot in the Leg Feel Like?

Wednesday, July 20th, 2022

Topics Covered in this Blog:

  1. Venous Thromboembolism
  2. What Does a Blood Clot in Your Leg Feel Like?
  3. How to Reduce Your Risk for Blood Clot in Leg
  4. Lower Your Risk for Blood Clots at USA Vein Clinics

Blood clots, also known as venous thromboembolism, are a relatively common, treatable occurrence. Nevertheless, when a blood clot develops in a leg, arm, or elsewhere in the body, it is considered a serious health issue. Understanding the signs and symptoms of blood clots can help you know when to seek potentially life-saving treatment.

If you suffer from vein disease, you may be at increased risk of developing blood clots, particularly blood clots in the legs. Below, we discuss risk factors, symptoms, and potential complications of venous thromboembolism. For additional information, we recommend consulting a vein specialist.

Talk to Our Specialists

Venous Thromboembolism

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 900,000 Americans are impacted by venous thromboembolism each year. Approximately 60,000-100,000 people die each year as a result. Prompt medical treatment typically leads to the best health outcomes. This is why it is so important to understand the answer to “what does a blood clot in the leg feel like?”

While anyone can develop a blood clot, some significant risk factors make you more likely to have one. The most significant is a recent surgery or hospitalization; about half of the people who experience a blood clot have had one or both. Being immobile (such as during an illness) can also raise your risk.

Other risk factors for developing blood clots include:

  • A recent injury to the leg
  • Traveling, especially by plane, for extended periods
  • Underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and sickle cell disease
  • Being a woman
  • Pregnancy and recent childbirth
  • Taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
  • Smoking
  • Being over age 60
  • Being obese or overweight
  • An inactive lifestyle
  • A personal or family history of blood clots
  • Varicose veins
  • Vein disease

Varicose veins are a sign of vein disease, or venous insufficiency. Vein disease develops when tiny, one-way vein valves are placed under strain, become damaged, and begin to malfunction. Genetics, age, and lifestyle factors can all impact your venous health.

Most commonly, the legs are affected. This is because when veins struggle to carry blood to the heart against gravity, blood can begin to pool in the lower extremities. When this occurs, your veins may start to expand and develop into varicose veins.

Some symptoms of vein disease can be similar to those of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious type of blood clot. We will discuss the symptoms of DVT in the following section.

Common vein disease symptoms include:

  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
  • Tired, aching legs
  • Burning in the calf or thigh
  • Leg pain that improves with walking or elevation
  • Itchy, dry skin
  • Numbness or tingling sensations
  • Difficulty standing for prolonged periods
  • Open, non-healing leg wounds
  • Varicose veins and spider veins

If you believe you may have vein disease, we recommend consulting a vein specialist for a complete medical evaluation.

Suppose you are at risk for venous thromboembolism due to any one of the above factors, including vein disease. In that case, you may benefit from close monitoring and minimally invasive vein treatment performed by a vein specialist. We also recommend looking out for signs of blood clots in your legs at home. Next, we discuss what a blood clot in the leg feels like?

OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING BLOOD CLOTS

What Does a Blood Clot in Your Leg Feel Like?

Unfortunately, the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop a blood clot. However, keep in mind that people with no risk factors at all can still develop one. In other words, it is always important to know the signs of venous thromboembolism.

Another thing to know is that some blood clots are more serious than others. A blood clot that develops in a superficial vein or a vein near the skin’s surface is usually no cause for alarm. This type of blood clot is known as superficial thrombophlebitis.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), on the other hand, occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the body. Most often, the legs are affected. DVT requires medical treatment right away.

You may be wondering, can you feel a blood clot in your leg? Although not every blood clot in your legs produces symptoms, common ones include:

  • Swelling in the leg or arm: One common sign of venous thromboembolism is swelling. This can be mild or severe, often causing pain or discomfort.
  • Leg pain: What does a blood clot in the leg feel like? Some patients describe a cramping type of pain in their leg. You may also experience tenderness in the region.
  • Skin discoloration: A blood clot in the leg can lead to skin changes, such as redness or other types of discoloration.
  • Skin that is warm to the touch: If you notice warmness in a specific area of the body, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, you may have a blood clot.

Since some blood clots in the legs can feel similar to a pulled muscle or cramp, it is important to seek medical evaluation when symptoms are present. Prompt treatment can help prevent a blood clot from becoming more severe.

When deep vein thrombosis is left untreated, it can lead to a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. This describes when a piece of the clot breaks off and travels to the lung.

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism can include:

  • Sharp chest pain that may be worse when you breathe deeply
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Unexplained shortness of breath
  • Sudden cough, sometimes accompanied by bloody mucus

Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.

How to Reduce Your Risk for Blood Clot in Leg

Do you prefer to avoid developing a blood clot? We certainly understand. While you may not be able to control all of your contributing risk factors, there are, nonetheless, some things you can do to reduce your risk.

While we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your doctor, we generally recommend the following to prevent a blood clot in your leg:

  • Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI)
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a healthy, well-rounded diet
  • Avoid long periods of standing or sitting
  • Quit smoking
  • Wear compression socks
  • Manage underlying health conditions
  • Schedule an appointment with a vein specialist
  • Consider vein treatment, when appropriate

Developing a blood clot in your leg can feel scary, but we want to assure you that effective treatment exists. If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor or head to urgent care immediately.

PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS IN LEGS WHILE TRAVELING: TIPS AND TRICKS

Lower Your Risk for Blood Clots at USA Vein Clinics

What does a blood clot in the leg feel like? As discussed above, there is a range of potential symptoms, including leg pain, swelling, cramping, warmness, and skin discoloration. We have also shared that looking out for signs of pulmonary embolism is critical, a life-threatening condition that can develop when deep vein thrombosis is left untreated.

To prevent venous thromboembolism from developing, we recommend consulting one of our leading vein specialists at USA Vein Clinics. Our doctors can evaluate your overall vein health and make personalized treatment recommendations.

Our experts offer a range of minimally invasive, office-based vein treatments for varicose veins, spider veins, restless legs, and other venous issues. Our treatments can alleviate painful and uncomfortable leg symptoms, reduce the risk of blood clots and venous ulcers, and improve your quality of life.

With minimally invasive vein treatment, there is no need for a hospital stay, surgery, or lengthy recovery. All of our state-of-the-art treatments take less than an hour to perform, from start to finish. Most patients leave immediately afterward and return to their normal daily activities. Our specialists provide vein treatment at over 100 locations nationwide. For your convenience, we also offer virtual doctor visits.

If you have additional questions related to: “Am I experiencing venous thromboembolism?”, “Can you feel a blood clot in your leg?” or “What does a blood clot in your leg feel like?” we hope you’ll contact one of our knowledgeable experts for personalized, compassionate answers.

To get started, connect with a specialist today at 888.768.3467 or schedule an appointment online.

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If you remove varicose veins, where will the blood flow?

Many people after varicose vein surgery are interested in:

  • How will the blood move after vein removal?
  • How much will the circulation change?
  • Will the removed vein reappear?
  • Will the vein be affected by varicose veins again?

Doctors of the Phlebological Center named after N. I. Pirogov. These answers will help you get rid of all the fears before the operation.

The venous system of our body includes more than 75% of all blood circulating in the human body. There are 2 types of veins in our legs: saphenous veins (located in the upper layers of the skin) and deep veins (located next to the arteries).

Arterial blood, saturated with oxygen and nutrients, begins its journey from the heart. It moves from the respiratory organs and delivers nutrients to all organs and tissues. Having delivered useful substances, the blood takes the metabolic product and becomes venous.

The venous circulation in the legs moves from bottom to top. Muscles help increase blood flow. Venous blood moves through the vessels (deep veins) to the heart and respiratory organs in order to re-saturate with useful substances. The blood that flows through the saphenous veins does not carry nutrients and oxygen.

The deep veins in the legs carry 90% of the venous blood. 10% of venous blood is sent through the saphenous veins to maintain tissue viability. The superficial venous system in the legs originates from the vein plexuses in the toes and forms a venous network along the rear of the foot. From them depart the medial and lateral marginal veins, which pass into the small and large saphenous veins.

Varicose veins mainly affect the great saphenous vein and are less common in the lesser saphenous vein. The great saphenous vein is the longest vein in our body. It can have from 5 to 10 pairs of valves and be 3-5 mm in diameter.

What happens if a diseased vein is not removed

A vein that has been exposed to a varicose vein for a long time cannot return to normal on its own. During the development of varicose , the vein expands several times, darkens and brings strong pain. The vessel wall becomes flabby and thin. Blood clots accumulate on the walls of the stretched vessel, a thrombus appears. A blood clot blocks the flow of blood, which means that tissues, organs and the brain cease to receive useful substances and oxygen in the prescribed norm.

The greatest danger to the human body is a detached blood clot, which begins to travel through the circulatory system. A blood clot can block any vessel, vein, or valve on its way to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. This contributes to a heart attack, stroke, pulmonary thrombophlebitis.

Separation of a thrombus occurs only in large vessels, where the outflow of blood has a high speed of movement. In small vessels, there is a weak flow, the clot cannot detach and blood accumulates on the way to it.

How does the blood flow after the removal of affected veins

Initially, varicose veins develop in the subcutaneous veins, forming venous congestion in them. When blood cannot pass through the affected vein, it pools in the affected area. The walls of the vessel are thinned and expanded to prevent overflow, but the flow still cannot pass fully. The load on the veins increases. valvular insufficiency develops.

Valvular insufficiency is characterized by incomplete closing of the valve walls. When the valve malfunctions, the blood begins to move in the opposite direction, this is called pathology. You can see problems in the veins and valves using an ultrasound machine.

Removal of the affected vein helps to reduce the load on the veins. However, where will the blood flow if the vessel is not in its place? Our venous system has compensating abilities. After the removal of varicose veins, the blood flow will not stop. The outflow is evenly distributed over the remaining veins. Gradually, the work of the circulatory system is restored and the person stops feeling pain, cramps and fatigue in the legs. The state of the body returns to normal.

Most of the blood in the lower extremities passes through the deep veins, so the removal of the saphenous veins does not carry a high burden on the body. When the affected vein is removed, blood flow returns to its normal path through the body.

Do not be afraid to remove veins affected by varicose veins. Stagnation of blood in the veins disrupts the proper movement of blood flow, prevents the enrichment of tissues with nutrients, increases the load on the valves and can lead to the progression of varicose veins.

Modern medicine makes it possible to achieve positive dynamics in the recovery of patients. The very next day after the operation, you will be able to get up and take a short walk. In a month, you will be able to move without pain and discomfort.

Where to get vein examination and treatment

Vein removal is a last resort. In phlebology, there are different methods of treatment: conservative and surgical. If a patient comes to us at the first sign of varicose veins, then our phlebologists adhere to a conservative method: prescribe therapeutic exercises, diet, wearing compression stockings and, if necessary, blood-thinning drugs.

The effectiveness of each treatment method is already noticeable in the early stages. Why wait until the last minute when surgery can be avoided now? In the Vascular Center of the city of Moscow, conservative and surgical methods of treatment are carried out both in the early and late stages of varicose veins. Do not wait for the veins to remind you of themselves, make an appointment and undergo an examination of the veins of the lower extremities with our specialists.

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Blood clots. Signs Not to Ignore

Blood clots can basically be divided into two main groups – dormant clots and clots that travel through the body. When or while the clots are at rest, we speak of thrombosis. For example, deep vein thrombosis is known, which is usually associated with clots in the leg, but can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the arm. On the other hand, we can also talk about embolism. This condition is characterized by the fact that the clot splits off and then moves through the body. When it comes to pulmonary embolism, it can be fatal.

Blood clots: symptoms of deep vein thrombosis.

Deep vein thrombosis is not necessarily associated with very obvious signs, so the problem can go unrecognized for quite some time, increasing the risk of more serious complications. One of the most typical symptoms is pain in the leg or arm in which a blood clot has formed, or increased sensitivity of this limb. Also, the condition is characterized by warm skin in the clot area. Some also observe swelling of the affected limb. In addition, the skin near the clot may turn red or turn purple. Symptoms characteristic of deep vein thrombosis are sometimes similar to the sensations that accompany a tense muscle. For example, those who are more active may mistake signs of deep vein thrombosis for a classic sports injury.

How to determine the risk of pulmonary embolism?

Even with deep vein thrombosis, it is necessary to be able to recognize it quickly and then take action as soon as possible. This is especially important if there is a risk of PE or if the blood clot travels to the lungs. One of the most common symptoms that occurs when a blood clot enters the lungs is chest pain accompanied by difficulty breathing, especially when trying to take a deep breath. At the same time, increased sweating may occur, accompanied by increased heart rate, fever, and a feeling of dizziness. However, sometimes the risk of pulmonary embolism is also indicated by blood-stained cough discharge. Therefore, if you notice any of these signs, or if a person near you has these signs, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Groups with a particularly high risk of blood clots.

Blood clots can occur for a variety of reasons and in almost anyone. However, there are groups of people in whom the risk of such complications is particularly high. Therefore, individuals at risk should pay special attention to any symptoms of blood clots. One of the increased risk factors is the use of oral hormonal contraceptives.