Blood clotting is a necessary operate within the physique to forestall extreme bleeding once we get injured.

However, clots which don’t dissolve by themselves have the potential to turn out to be harmful and life-threatning.

This is as a result of they'll journey across the physique, blocking blood provide to among the very important organs.

For instance, one of many essential causes of a stroke is a blood clot within the mind.

And if a clot reaches the lungs it could lead to what's referred to as a pulmonary embolism.

Therefore, recognizing any of the signs of a blood clot may be life-saving.

In most instances blood clots type in both the legs or arms - a situation referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

As anticipated this may set off signs that seem within the legs or arms.

The NHS urges you to name 111 or search speedy medical assist in the event you expertise the next in these limbs:

• Throbbing or cramping ache
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth.

It additionally warns it's best to do the identical in the event you undergo from:

• Sudden breathlessness
• Sharp chest ache (could also be worse if you breathe in)
• A cough or coughing up blood.

But in case you are struggling to breathe or somebody has handed out it's best to name 999, the NHS says.

There are plenty of components that may increase your danger of a blood clot, a few of that are past your management.

The NHS says: “Blood clots are rare in young, healthy people.”

Your danger of blood clots is elevated in the event you:

• Are staying in or not too long ago left hospital – particularly in the event you can't transfer round a lot (like after an operation)
• Are chubby
• Smoke
• Are utilizing mixed hormonal contraception such because the mixed capsule, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring
• Have had a blood clot earlier than
• Are pregnant or have simply had a child
• Have an inflammatory situation similar to Crohn’s illness or rheumatoid arthritis.

Deep vein thrombosis can also be extra widespread in case you are aged over 60, have most cancers or coronary heart failure and have varicose veins.

Luckily there are some steps you may take to attempt to minimise the chance.

“If you're at a high risk of blood clots – for example, you're in hospital – follow the advice of your care team about preventing clots,” the NHS says.

“This may involve wearing stockings that improve your blood flow or taking medicine to reduce the risk of clots (anticoagulants). There are also things you can do to help avoid clots.”

To accomplish that it's best to keep away from:

• Sitting for lengthy intervals with out transferring
• Drinking plenty of alcohol as this may make you dehydrated
• Smoking.

The NHS additionally recommends:

• Staying lively – taking common walks may help
• Drinking loads of water to keep away from dehydration – you are extra prone to get a clot in the event you're dehydrated
• Trying to drop pounds in the event you're chubby
• Wearing flight stockings or flight socks to enhance your blood move on lengthy flights – a pharmacist can advise you about this.