What are the warning signs of blood clots in different parts of the body. How can you recognize symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. What should you watch for to identify potential pulmonary embolisms. When should you seek immediate medical attention for blood clot symptoms.

The Vital Role of Blood Clots in the Human Body

Blood clots play a crucial role in our body’s healing process. They form a protective barrier when we experience cuts or injuries, effectively stopping bleeding and allowing the wound to heal. However, when blood clots don’t dissolve naturally, they can pose significant health risks.

These potentially dangerous clots can occur in various parts of the body, including:

• Blood vessels
• Arteries
• Veins

While blood clots most commonly affect the legs, especially during periods of prolonged inactivity, they can form in other areas as well. Understanding the signs and symptoms of blood clots in different parts of the body is crucial for early detection and prompt medical intervention.

Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Hidden Danger in Arms and Legs

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your arm or leg. This condition can be particularly dangerous as the clot may travel to vital organs like the heart or lungs.

Risk factors for DVT include:

• Extended periods of immobility
• Recent surgery
• Long-distance travel

Recognizing the symptoms of DVT is crucial for early intervention. Common signs include:

Swelling and Color Changes

DVT can cause localized or widespread swelling in the affected limb. The skin may also take on a reddish or bluish tinge and become itchy.

Pain and Discomfort

Pain associated with DVT can range from a dull ache to intense discomfort. It may be particularly noticeable in the leg, belly, or arm.

Warm Skin and Lower Leg Cramps

The skin around the affected area may feel warmer than surrounding areas. If the clot is in the calf or lower leg, you might experience sensations similar to a cramp or charley horse.

Pitting Edema

DVT can cause rapid fluid buildup (edema) in the arms or legs. When you press on the swollen area, it may leave a temporary dimple or “pit.”

Is immediate medical attention necessary for suspected DVT? Yes, if you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination with risk factors like recent inactivity or surgery, seek medical help promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Recognizing Heart-Related Blood Clots

Blood clots that form in or around the heart can lead to a heart attack, a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Key symptoms to watch for include:

• Severe chest pain, often radiating to the arm
• Profuse sweating
• Difficulty breathing

Can heart-related blood clots occur without warning? While some people may experience subtle symptoms leading up to a heart attack, others may have no prior indications. This underscores the importance of regular cardiovascular check-ups and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Pulmonary Embolism: When Clots Reach the Lungs

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot, typically originating in a deep vein of the arm or leg, breaks off and travels to the lung. This condition is extremely dangerous and requires immediate medical intervention.

Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:

• Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Onset of coughing, possibly with blood
• Sweating
• Dizziness

How quickly should one seek medical help for suspected pulmonary embolism? Given the potential severity of this condition, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for blood clots.

Blood Clots in the Brain: A Stroke Risk

Blood clots in the brain can lead to a stroke, a serious medical emergency. These clots may form due to various factors:

• Fatty deposits in blood vessel walls
• Head injuries resulting in concussions
• Clots that originated elsewhere in the body and traveled to the brain

Key symptoms of a brain blood clot include:

Visual and Speech Disturbances

Sudden problems with vision or difficulty speaking can be indicative of a stroke.

Seizures and General Weakness

Some individuals may experience seizures or an overall feeling of weakness when a blood clot affects the brain.

Are all brain blood clots immediately apparent? Not always. While some strokes present with sudden, dramatic symptoms, others may have more subtle signs. This is why it’s crucial to be aware of even minor changes in neurological function and seek medical attention promptly if stroke is suspected.

Abdominal Blood Clots: A Hidden Threat

Blood clots can also occur in the veins that drain blood from your intestines. Various factors can contribute to their formation:

• Conditions like diverticulitis or liver disease
• Use of birth control pills

Symptoms of abdominal blood clots may include:

Gastrointestinal Distress

Nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain (which may worsen after eating) are common symptoms.

Changes in Bowel Movements

Diarrhea or the presence of blood in stools may indicate an abdominal blood clot.

Abdominal Swelling

A bloated feeling or visible swelling of the abdomen can occur with blood clots in this region.

How can one differentiate between common digestive issues and abdominal blood clots? While some symptoms may overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions, the severity and persistence of these symptoms, especially when combined with risk factors for blood clots, should prompt medical evaluation.

Kidney Complications from Blood Clots

Blood clots affecting the kidneys can have serious consequences, potentially leading to high blood pressure or even kidney failure. Recognizing the symptoms is crucial for timely intervention.

Key indicators of kidney-related blood clots include:

Localized Pain and Swelling

Pain in the side of the belly, legs, or thighs, along with sudden severe leg swelling, can be symptomatic of kidney blood clots.

Urinary Changes

The presence of blood in urine is a significant warning sign that should not be ignored.

Systemic Symptoms

Fever, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained high blood pressure may accompany kidney blood clots.

Respiratory Distress

In some cases, kidney blood clots can lead to difficulty breathing.

Can kidney blood clots develop silently? Yes, in some cases, kidney blood clots may not present obvious symptoms initially. Regular check-ups and being attentive to subtle changes in urinary habits or overall health can aid in early detection.

Preventing Blood Clots: Proactive Measures for Better Health

While understanding the symptoms of blood clots is crucial, taking steps to prevent their formation is equally important. Here are some proactive measures you can adopt:

Stay Active

Regular physical activity, especially during long periods of sitting or travel, can help maintain healthy blood circulation.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a risk factor for blood clots. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can reduce this risk.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration helps maintain blood viscosity, reducing the risk of clot formation.

Manage Underlying Conditions

If you have conditions that increase your risk of blood clots, such as diabetes or heart disease, work closely with your healthcare provider to manage them effectively.

Consider Compression Garments

For those at higher risk, compression stockings or socks can help promote blood flow, especially during periods of inactivity.

How effective are these preventive measures in reducing blood clot risk? While no method can guarantee complete prevention, adopting these lifestyle changes and strategies can significantly reduce your risk of developing blood clots. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if you have specific risk factors.

Advancements in Blood Clot Detection and Treatment

Medical science continues to evolve, offering new ways to detect and treat blood clots. Some recent advancements include:

Improved Imaging Techniques

Advanced imaging technologies like CT angiography and MRI venography provide more detailed and accurate visualizations of blood clots.

Novel Anticoagulants

New generations of blood thinners offer more targeted treatment with fewer side effects compared to traditional options.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Catheter-directed thrombolysis and thrombectomy procedures allow for direct treatment of blood clots with reduced risk compared to open surgery.

Genetic Testing

Identifying genetic factors that increase clot risk can help in developing personalized prevention strategies.

How have these advancements improved outcomes for patients with blood clots? These innovations have led to earlier detection, more precise treatment, and improved long-term management of blood clot-related conditions. However, the field continues to evolve, and ongoing research promises even more effective approaches in the future.

Living with Increased Blood Clot Risk: Lifestyle Adaptations

For individuals with known risk factors for blood clots, certain lifestyle adaptations can be crucial. These may include:

Regular Medical Check-ups

Frequent monitoring by healthcare professionals can help catch potential issues early.

Medication Management

Careful adherence to prescribed anticoagulants or other medications is essential for those at high risk.

Exercise Modifications

Working with a physical therapist to develop safe exercise routines that promote circulation without increasing risk.

Travel Precautions

Taking extra measures during long trips, such as frequent movement and proper hydration.

Dietary Considerations

Maintaining a balanced diet that supports overall cardiovascular health.

Can individuals with high blood clot risk lead normal lives? With proper management and lifestyle adaptations, many people at increased risk for blood clots can lead full, active lives. The key is working closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized approach to risk management.

The Psychological Impact of Blood Clot Diagnoses

Being diagnosed with a blood clot or living with an increased risk of clots can have significant psychological effects. Common emotional responses include:

Anxiety and Fear

Concerns about future clots or complications can lead to heightened anxiety.

Depression

The lifestyle changes and ongoing health concerns may contribute to feelings of depression.

Stress

Managing a chronic health condition can be inherently stressful.

Body Image Issues

For those requiring visible treatments like compression stockings, body image concerns may arise.

How can individuals cope with the emotional aspects of blood clot diagnoses? Seeking support through counseling, support groups, and open communication with healthcare providers can be beneficial. Additionally, practicing stress-reduction techniques and focusing on achievable health goals can help maintain a positive outlook.

Blood Clots in Special Populations: Unique Considerations

Certain groups may face unique challenges when it comes to blood clot risk and management:

Pregnant Women

Pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots, requiring special monitoring and preventive measures.

Athletes

High-performance athletes may need to balance their training regimens with clot prevention strategies.

Elderly Individuals

Age-related factors can complicate both the risk and treatment of blood clots in older adults.

Individuals with Chronic Illnesses

Those with conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases may have compounded blood clot risks.

How do healthcare approaches differ for these special populations? Tailored strategies that take into account the unique circumstances of each group are essential. This may involve specialized monitoring, adapted treatment plans, and collaborative care involving multiple medical specialists.

The Future of Blood Clot Research and Treatment

The field of blood clot research continues to evolve, with promising developments on the horizon:

Personalized Medicine

Advancements in genetic testing and biomarker identification may lead to more individualized risk assessment and treatment plans.

Novel Drug Therapies

Research into new anticoagulants and clot-dissolving medications aims to provide more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics

AI-powered imaging analysis could improve the speed and accuracy of blood clot detection.

Wearable Technology

Development of devices that can monitor blood flow and alert users to potential clot formation in real-time.

What impact might these future developments have on blood clot management? These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize how we approach blood clot prevention, detection, and treatment. They could lead to earlier interventions, more precise treatments, and improved overall outcomes for patients at risk of or experiencing blood clots.

Symptoms in Legs, Lungs, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Arms, Legs
• Heart
• Lungs
• Brain
• Belly
• Kidneys
• More

Ever get a paper cut or nick yourself while shaving? When that happens, a blood clot saves the day. It quickly stops the bleeding, and when it’s done its job, it usually breaks up. Sometimes, though, things can go wrong.

When blood clots don’t fall apart, they can be dangerous and lead to serious medical conditions. You can get them in blood vessels in just about any part of your body. They’re most likely to affect a leg, especially if you sit for long periods of time.

You might get a clot in your arteries, which carry oxygen in your blood from your heart to all the cells of your body. The result can be really serious. It can keep oxygen from getting to your heart, lungs, or brain, and cause a life-threatening emergency, like a heart attack or stroke.

You could also get a clot in the veins that carry blood back to your heart. When that happens, symptoms usually come on more gradually, but can still mean trouble.

If you learn the warning signs, you’re more likely to get quick medical help that can make a huge difference in keeping you out of the danger zone. But it’s important to know that in some cases, clots can happen with few symptoms or none at all..

See More: Dos and Don’ts of a Blood Clot

When a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in your arm or leg, way beneath your skin’s surface, it could be something called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). That’s dangerous because the clot could travel to your heart or lungs.

You’re more likely to get a DVT if you haven’t moved around for a long time, say after surgery or during a long plane trip. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Swelling. This can happen in the exact spot where the blood clot forms, or your entire leg or arm could puff up.
• Change in color. You might notice that your arm or leg takes on a red or blue tinge, or gets itchy.
• Pain. As the clot gets worse, you may hurt or get sore. The feeling can range from a dull ache to intense pain. You may notice the pain throbs in your leg, belly, or even your arm.
• Warm skin. The skin around painful areas or in the arm or leg with the DVT may feel warmer than other skin.
• Trouble breathing. If this happens, it could mean that the clot has moved from your arm or leg to your lungs. You may also get a bad cough, and might even cough up blood. You may get pain in your chest or feel dizzy. Call 911 to get medical help right away.
• Lower leg cramp. If the clot is in your calf or lower leg, you may feel like you have a cramp or charley horse.
• Pitting edema. DVT can cause fluid buildup (edema) in the arms or legs. It typically happens quite quickly with DVT. When you press on the swollen area, it can cause a dimple or “pit” (pitting) that remains for a few seconds.
• Swollen, painful veins. The pain may increase with touch.

A blood clot that forms in or around your ticker may cause a heart attack. Watch out for symptoms like these:

• Severe pain in your chest and arm
• Sweating
• Trouble breathing

A blood clot in your lung usually starts out in a deep vein in your arm or leg, then breaks off and travels to your lung. When this happens, you get what’s called a pulmonary embolism, an extremely dangerous condition.

Get medical help right away if you:

• Feel short of breath or have problems breathing
• Get pain in your chest
• Start to cough
• Begin to sweat
• Feel dizzy

Blood clots here may be caused by fatty deposits in the walls of the blood vessels that bring blood to your brain. Or sometimes, they may form because of a blow to your head that leads to a concussion.

In other cases, a clot that starts out in a different part of your body, like your chest or neck, might enter your bloodstream and travel to your brain, where it can cause a stroke.

Watch out for these symptoms:

• Problems with your vision or speech
• A seizure
• General feeling of weakness

Blood clots can happen in the veins that drain blood from your intestines. They can be caused by conditions like diverticulitis or liver disease, or even by birth control pills.

How will you know if this is going on? Check with your doctor if you have problems like these:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe pain in your belly, which may be worse after you eat
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• A bloated feeling

A blood clot in your kidneys can keep them from removing waste from your body. That can cause high blood pressure or even kidney failure.

This is dangerous, so look out for these symptoms:

• Pain in the side of your belly, legs, or thighs
• Blood in your urine
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Sudden severe leg swelling
• Trouble breathing

Top Picks

Symptoms in Legs, Lungs, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Arms, Legs
• Heart
• Lungs
• Brain
• Belly
• Kidneys
• More

Ever get a paper cut or nick yourself while shaving? When that happens, a blood clot saves the day. It quickly stops the bleeding, and when it’s done its job, it usually breaks up. Sometimes, though, things can go wrong.

When blood clots don’t fall apart, they can be dangerous and lead to serious medical conditions. You can get them in blood vessels in just about any part of your body. They’re most likely to affect a leg, especially if you sit for long periods of time.

You might get a clot in your arteries, which carry oxygen in your blood from your heart to all the cells of your body. The result can be really serious. It can keep oxygen from getting to your heart, lungs, or brain, and cause a life-threatening emergency, like a heart attack or stroke.

You could also get a clot in the veins that carry blood back to your heart. When that happens, symptoms usually come on more gradually, but can still mean trouble.

If you learn the warning signs, you’re more likely to get quick medical help that can make a huge difference in keeping you out of the danger zone. But it’s important to know that in some cases, clots can happen with few symptoms or none at all. .

See More: Dos and Don’ts of a Blood Clot

When a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in your arm or leg, way beneath your skin’s surface, it could be something called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). That’s dangerous because the clot could travel to your heart or lungs.

You’re more likely to get a DVT if you haven’t moved around for a long time, say after surgery or during a long plane trip. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Swelling. This can happen in the exact spot where the blood clot forms, or your entire leg or arm could puff up.
• Change in color. You might notice that your arm or leg takes on a red or blue tinge, or gets itchy.
• Pain. As the clot gets worse, you may hurt or get sore. The feeling can range from a dull ache to intense pain. You may notice the pain throbs in your leg, belly, or even your arm.
• Warm skin. The skin around painful areas or in the arm or leg with the DVT may feel warmer than other skin.
• Trouble breathing. If this happens, it could mean that the clot has moved from your arm or leg to your lungs. You may also get a bad cough, and might even cough up blood. You may get pain in your chest or feel dizzy. Call 911 to get medical help right away.
• Lower leg cramp. If the clot is in your calf or lower leg, you may feel like you have a cramp or charley horse.
• Pitting edema. DVT can cause fluid buildup (edema) in the arms or legs. It typically happens quite quickly with DVT. When you press on the swollen area, it can cause a dimple or “pit” (pitting) that remains for a few seconds.
• Swollen, painful veins. The pain may increase with touch.

A blood clot that forms in or around your ticker may cause a heart attack. Watch out for symptoms like these:

• Severe pain in your chest and arm
• Sweating
• Trouble breathing

A blood clot in your lung usually starts out in a deep vein in your arm or leg, then breaks off and travels to your lung. When this happens, you get what’s called a pulmonary embolism, an extremely dangerous condition.

Get medical help right away if you:

• Feel short of breath or have problems breathing
• Get pain in your chest
• Start to cough
• Begin to sweat
• Feel dizzy

Blood clots here may be caused by fatty deposits in the walls of the blood vessels that bring blood to your brain. Or sometimes, they may form because of a blow to your head that leads to a concussion.

In other cases, a clot that starts out in a different part of your body, like your chest or neck, might enter your bloodstream and travel to your brain, where it can cause a stroke.

Watch out for these symptoms:

• Problems with your vision or speech
• A seizure
• General feeling of weakness

Blood clots can happen in the veins that drain blood from your intestines. They can be caused by conditions like diverticulitis or liver disease, or even by birth control pills.

How will you know if this is going on? Check with your doctor if you have problems like these:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe pain in your belly, which may be worse after you eat
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• A bloated feeling

A blood clot in your kidneys can keep them from removing waste from your body. That can cause high blood pressure or even kidney failure.

This is dangerous, so look out for these symptoms:

• Pain in the side of your belly, legs, or thighs
• Blood in your urine
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Sudden severe leg swelling
• Trouble breathing

Top Picks

what is it, prevention, symptoms, signs of thrombosis

Thrombosis – complete or partial blockage of the vessel lumen by a parietal or mobile thrombus. A thrombus is a dense blood clot that appears as a result of a change in its fluidity. Normally, thrombus formation is a protective mechanism. Damage to the vascular wall entails a slowdown in blood flow, the accumulation of platelets around the damage. The thrombus literally “darns” the vessel wall.

Classical causes of thrombus formation are described by Vihrov’s triad: damage to the vascular wall, slowing of blood flow, and changes in blood properties [3]. Some thrombi (they are called emboli) are able to move to narrower sections of the vessel, which clog completely or partially. Every year, about 25 million people die from thrombosis, and even more face trophic disorders caused by blood clots [3].

Types of vascular thrombosis

Thrombosis of the lower extremities is the most common, but the greatest danger is pulmonary embolism – PE – and disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome – DIC.

Arterial thrombosis develops when its lumen is blocked by a thrombus or embolus. Clinical signs are determined by the site where such a blockage occurred, an organ or tissue that is poorly supplied with blood or not supplied with it at all. If the blockage with impaired patency of the vessel occurs slowly, “spare”, collateral, vessels open, which alleviates the clinical symptoms of arterial thrombosis [3]. Arterial thrombosis occurs more often in middle-aged and elderly men [7].

Venous thrombosis varies depending on the location of the lesion for deep or superficial vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Among all cardiovascular pathologies, venous thrombosis ranks third in frequency of occurrence, second only to coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. The third place in the structure of causes of death is PE. Starting from the age of 40, the risk of developing venous thrombosis doubles every 10 years [5].

Two types of damage to the veins of the lower extremities are described: phlebothrombosis (primary thrombosis, the thrombus is not firmly fixed) and thrombophlebitis (secondary thrombosis against the background of inflammation of the vessel wall, the thrombus is firmly fixed) [6]. Thrombophlebitis is more often associated with superficial vein thrombosis [2]. The larger the vein affected by thrombosis, the brighter its clinical manifestations. The surrounding tissues are compressed by stasis of blood, since the blood stays at the site of occlusion, but does not move towards the heart. Venous clots tend to break off and spread with the blood stream (thromboemboli). When they enter the vital organs, life-threatening conditions develop [3].

Causes of thrombosis

Common causes of thrombosis formation are described above. Arterial thrombosis begins with the formation of atheroma – an atherosclerotic plaque. Platelets accumulate around it. The plaque itself may be harmless, but when its surface is injured, dense blood clots form at the site of the tear. This process is called “atherothrombosis” [3, 7]. Venous thromboses are formed when the rheological properties of blood change or as a reaction to inflammation of the vascular wall [5].

Thrombosis risk factors

Internal:

• arterial hypertension [7];
• pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum period [3];
• biochemical changes in blood [2,3,5,7];
• vasculitis [2];
• age over 40 [5];
• congenital thrombophilia, thrombosis, varicose veins of the lower extremities [3,5];
• congestive heart failure [5, 6];
• malignant neoplasms, radiotherapy and chemotherapy [3];
• strokes [3, 6];
• myeloproliferation [2, 5, 7];
• nephrotic syndrome and renal failure [5, 6, 7];
• obesity (BMI over 30) [3];
• myocardial infarction [6];
• diabetes mellitus [6, 7];
• systemic lupus erythematosus [2];
• chronic pulmonary diseases [3];
• enterocolitis [5].

External:

• heroin addiction [2];
• hormone therapy [3,5];
• dehydration with vomiting, diarrhea, increased sweating, direct lack of fluid [6];
• immobilization [3];
• trips by plane, bus or seated car [3];
• infectious diseases, including COVID-19 [1, 3, 5, 9];
• catheterization of central and peripheral veins [2, 5];
• smoking [6, 7];
• sedentary lifestyle [3];
• operations [3];
• fractures of large bones, other injuries [3];
• taking oral contraceptives [5];
• taking Diazepam, Amiodarone, Vancomycin [2];
• sclerotherapy and thermal ablation [2];
• condition after joint replacement [3];
• holding an uncomfortable posture [3].

Thrombosis Clinic

Symptoms of thrombosis may be general, regardless of location, or specific. Common symptoms include pain on movement and at rest, limited mobility, and reduced function of the affected organ or tissue.

Symptoms of impaired arterial patency (acute thrombosis, or gradual impairment of vessel patency):

• BP asymmetry when measured on both arms [7];
• pale skin turning into cyanosis [7];
• pain at rest at night [7];
• pain on movement in the thigh, buttock, leg, foot, shooting or aching [7];
• sleep disorders [7];
• numbness, cold extremity [7];
• absence of peripheral pulsation [7];
• necrosis (necrosis) of affected tissues, trophic ulcers, gangrene [7];
• intermittent claudication [7].

Symptoms of venous thrombosis:

• pain [6];
• edema, soft and asymmetric [6];
• blue skin (skin cyanosis) [6];
• fever of the skin of the extremities [6];
• increased sensitivity and thickening in the projection of the superficial veins [2];
• post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation [2];
• dilated saphenous veins [6];
• erythema [2].

Sometimes the only symptom of venous thrombosis is PE [6].

Thrombosis diagnostics

Primary diagnosis is based on a detailed history and anthropometry (calf or thigh circumference). Wells scales are used for the diagnosis of acute thrombosis and the diagnosis of PE [8,9].

Diagnostic imaging includes vein compression or duplex scanning, vein compression Doppler, impedance plethysmography, pulmonoangiography, radiopaque or MRI phlebography [6,9], CT and MRI angiography [7,9].

For the diagnosis of arterial thrombosis, physical tests (6-minute walk test, treadmill test), determination of pulsation of superficial arteries (dorsal arteries), duplex scanning of arteries of the extremities, angiography (X-ray of a vessel filled with a radiopaque substance) and measurement of transcutaneous tension are used oxygen [7].

Thrombosis tests

A significant role in the timely diagnosis of thrombosis is played by laboratory parameters. Thus, guidelines for the management of patients with a new coronavirus infection provide for the stratification of the risk of coagulopathy in patients with COVID-19based on simple laboratory tests: D-dimer, prothrombin time, platelet count, fibrinogen level [1,9].

CBC detects inflammation. It also determines the level of platelets, that is, the very substrate of thrombosis.

An increased level of C-reactive protein also indicates the level of inflammation in the blood and the risk of thrombosis.

Biochemical analysis primarily shows the level of blood glucose. It can be used to judge the presence of diabetes, one of the most serious risk factors for thrombosis.

Also, biochemical analysis is able to determine the level of protein C, which also characterizes the severity of the risk of thrombosis.

Elevated blood levels of homocysteine ​​are also a proven risk of thrombosis leading to miscarriage and cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes).

D-dimer is a laboratory marker of fibrin formation [8]. It also indicates the presence of inflammation, like C-reactive protein. D-dimer levels are a benchmark for COVID-19and its complications, including those associated with thrombosis.

It is possible to take tests according to the complex program “Thrombosis”, which includes the determination of the levels of Antithrombin-III, D-dimer and genetic factors of cardiac diseases and the level of platelets. This program allows you to determine the fact of an accomplished thrombosis somewhere in the body, as well as determine the genetic predisposition to it. Such a program, as well as other analyzes, is offered by the CITILAB network of clinics.

Additional determination of the level of homocysteine, C-reactive protein will help determine the biochemical risk of thrombosis.

Treatment and prevention of thrombosis

Treatment of thrombosis includes anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, thrombolytic therapy, installation of an inferior vena cava cava filter, and surgical removal of a thrombus [5]. It is necessary to keep in mind the complications of anticoagulant therapy: major bleeding, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and warfarin-induced skin necrosis [5]. NSAIDs are used to reduce the risk of continued thrombus formation [2]. For the purpose of secondary prevention, small doses of heparin are prescribed.

Non-drug methods of treatment are also prescribed – elastic bandaging, compression stockings, local hypothermia and exercise therapy [2, 4].

Thrombosis prophylaxis includes a number of interventions used in situations of increased risk of thrombosis.

Primary prevention of atherothrombosis:

• systematic physical activity in the form of walking or morning exercises;
• BP control, maintenance of working blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg;
• blood sugar control (less than 6 mmol/l), early detection and treatment of diabetes mellitus;
• weight loss, body mass index less than 25 kg per m2;
• restricted cholesterol and high-density fat diet (total cholesterol less than 5 mmol/l), fruits and vegetables;
• smoking cessation [3,7].

Primary prevention of venous thrombosis:

• compression stockings;
• bandaging with elastic bandages;
• drink plenty of fluids, especially after surgery;
• regular exercise, walking, especially when traveling;
• prohibition of alcohol and sleeping pills in large doses;
• prohibition of the use of squeezing shoes and clothing [2,5,6].

Sometimes, for periods of high risk, anticoagulants are prescribed a few days before the flight. Aspirin to take in such cases does not make sense [5].

References

1. Agreed position of experts of the Eurasian Association of Therapists on some new mechanisms of COVID-19 pathogenesis: focus on hemostasis, blood transfusion issues and the blood gas transport system / G.P. Arutyunov, N.A. Koziolova, E.I. Tarlovskaya, A.G. Arutyunov, N.Yu Grigorieva and others// Cardiology. 2020;60(6). DOI: 10.18087/cardio.2020.5.n1132.
2. Thrombophlebitis (thrombosis of superficial veins): modern standards for diagnosis and treatment / V. Yu. Bogachev, B.V. Boldin, O.V. Jenina, V.N. Lobanov // Hospital-replacing technologies: Ambulatory surgery. 2016.- 3-4 (63-64) – P.16-23.
3. Modern problems of thrombosis of arteries and veins / I.N. Bokarev, L.V. Popova / / Practical Medicine, 2014. – No. 6 (82) -C13-17.
4. Treatment of thrombophlebitis. Current recommendations and clinical practice / P.F. Kravtsov, K.V. Mazaishvili, S.M. Markin, H.M. Kurginyan // Thrombosis, hemostasis and rheology, 2020 No. 2 – C 68-72.
5. Venous thrombosis: modern treatment / P.S. Laguta // Atherothrombosis, 2015 – No. 2- P. 7-16.
6. Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities / A.K. Lebedev, O.Yu. Kuznetsova // Russian family doctor, 2015.
7. National guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the arteries of the lower extremities, Association of Cardiovascular Surgeons of Russia, Russian Society of Angiologists and Vascular Surgeons, Russian Society of Surgeons, Russian Society of Cardiology, Russian Association of Endocrinologists, M, 2019.
8. Diagnosis and pharmacotherapy of acute venous thrombosis / N.V. Sturov, G.N. –S.19-22.
9. Management of venous thromboembolism during the COVID-19 pandemic// V.Ya. Khryshchanovich // News of Surgery, 2020.- vol.

how to tell if you have blood clots

The first and hidden signs that dangerous blood clots are forming in your vessels.

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A blood clot is a blood clot that has turned from a liquid to a gel or semi-solid state. Blood clotting is a necessary process that can prevent you from losing too much blood when you get hurt or cut. When a clot forms inside one of your veins, it doesn’t always dissolve on its own. This can be a very life-threatening situation.

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An immobile blood clot will not usually harm you, but it is likely to move and become dangerous. If a clot breaks off and travels through the veins to the heart and lungs, it can get stuck and obstruct blood flow. This condition requires urgent medical attention.

If you think you may have a blood clot, contact your doctor immediately. The specialist will be able to review your symptoms and medical history and recommend what steps to take.

Types of blood clots

Your circulatory system is made up of vessels called veins and arteries that carry blood throughout your body. Blood clots can form in veins or arteries. An arterial clot causes symptoms immediately and requires emergency care. Symptoms of an arterial clot include severe pain, paralysis of parts of the body, or both. It can lead to a heart attack or stroke. A blood clot that forms in a vein may build up more slowly over time, but it can still be life-threatening. The most serious type of venous clot is deep vein thrombosis.

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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a clot forms in one of the main veins deep inside your body. It most often occurs in one of the lower extremities, but it can also occur in the arms, pelvis, lungs, or even the brain. Without consulting a doctor, it is impossible to confirm its presence. But if you know the most common symptoms and risk factors, you can know when to see a specialist.

Possible blood clot without obvious symptoms. When the symptoms do appear, some of them coincide with the symptoms of other diseases. Below we have given the first signs and symptoms of a blood clot in the leg or arm, heart, abdomen, brain and lungs.

Blood clot in the leg or arm

Most often, a blood clot forms in the lower leg. A blood clot in a leg or arm may present with various symptoms, including:

• swelling
• pain
• weakness
• warm sensation
• reddish discoloration

Symptoms will depend on the size of the clot. This is why there may be no symptoms, or you may only have a slight swelling of the calf without much pain. If the clot is large, the entire leg may swell with severe pain. Blood clots on both legs or arms are rare. Your chances of having a blood clot are increased if your symptoms only affect one leg or one arm.

Blood clot in the heart or heart attack

Blood clot in the heart causing a heart attack. The heart is a less common place for a blood clot to form, but it can still happen. A blood clot in the heart can cause pain or a feeling of heaviness in the chest. Other potential symptoms are dizziness and shortness of breath.

( See also: How to provide first aid for a fracture)

Blood clot in the abdominal cavity

Severe abdominal pain and swelling may be symptoms of a blood clot somewhere in the abdomen. They may also look like symptoms of food poisoning.

Blood clot in the brain or stroke

Blood clot in the brain is also known as a stroke. A blood clot in the brain can cause a sudden and severe headache, as well as some other symptoms, including sudden difficulty speaking or seeing.

Blood clot in the lungs or pulmonary embolism

When a blood clot travels to the lungs, it is called pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms of PE may include:

• sudden shortness of breath not caused by exercise
• chest pain
• palpitations
• trouble breathing
• hemoptysis

9 0002 ( Read also: What to do if a person faints)

What are the risk factors?

Certain risk factors increase the chances of a blood clot. A recent hospital stay, especially a long one or one associated with major surgery, increases the risk of thrombosis.

General factors that may put you at moderate risk of a blood clot include:

• age, especially if you are over 65
• long trips, especially those that require you to sit for more than four hours at a time,
• bed regime or prolonged sedentary lifestyle
• obesity
• family history of blood clots
• smoking
• cancer

When to see a doctor?

Diagnosing a blood clot based on symptoms alone is very difficult.