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

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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

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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.