4 indicators within the arm or leg of a doubtlessly ‘life threatening’ blood clot
Clotting of the blood is important because it prevents extreme bleeding after we get a minimize.
However, clots that don’t naturally dissolve by themselves are doubtlessly harmful.
This is as a result of they will journey to important organs within the physique, blocking blood provide.
In truth, blood clots are the most typical explanation for strokes once they interrupt blood move to the mind.
They may also lead to heart attacks and pulmonary embolisms, each of which could be deadly.
According to the NHS these are:
- A throbbing or cramping ache
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth.
You may also discover swollen veins which can be “hard or sore” if you contact them within the affected space.
The well being physique urges you to name 111 for rapid medical recommendation when you expertise any of those indicators.
“DVT can be dangerous,” it says. “Get medical help as soon as possible if you think you have DVT.”
Risk of blood clots
There are a lot of issues that may elevate your threat of blood clots, a few of that are inside your management.
DVT is extra frequent in individuals who:
- Are over 60
- Are chubby
- Smoke
- Have had DVT earlier than
- Take the contraceptive capsule or HRT
- Have most cancers or coronary heart failure
- Have varicose veins.
You will also be extra prone to expertise DVT when you:
- Are staying in or lately left hospital – particularly when you can’t transfer round a lot (like after an operation)
- Are confined to mattress
- Go on an extended journey (greater than three hours) by aircraft, automotive or practice
- Are pregnant or when you’ve had a child within the earlier 6 weeks
- Are dehydrated.
Therefore, to decrease your probabilities of DVT the NHS recommends you preserve a well being weight, train frequently and drink loads of fluids.
It additionally advises in opposition to:
- Sitting nonetheless for lengthy intervals of time
- Crossing your legs whilst you’re sitting
- Smoking
- Drinking plenty of alcohol.
And in case you are on account of go on an extended journey the NHS recommends carrying free clothes, ingesting loads of water, avoiding alcohol and strolling round when attainable to decrease your threat.
If you expertise any signs of a DVT alongside breathlessness or chest ache it is best to name 999 or go to A&E as this might sign a pulmonary embolism.