It has happened to all of us at one time or another to get a cut on the skin. When this happens, blood clotting saves the day.
It can happen to blood vessels in almost any part of your body. It is most likely to form in your legs, especially if you sit for long periods of time.
You may develop thrombosis in your arteries, which carry oxygen through the blood from your heart to all the cells in your body.
The result can be really serious. A blood clot can block oxygen from reaching your heart, lungs or brain and cause a life-threatening emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke.
A blood clot can also form in the veins that carry blood back to your heart. When this happens, symptoms usually appear more gradually, but can be just as significant.
If you learn the warning signs, you’re more likely to get the quick medical help that can make a huge difference in keeping you out of great danger.
Get medical help immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:
– Pain: As the blood clot gets worse, you may feel pain. The feeling can range from dull to severe pain. You may notice the pain “throbbing” in your leg, abdomen or even your arm.
– Hot skin: The skin around painful areas or on the arm or leg with DVT may be warmer to the touch than other skin.
– Breathing problems: If this happens, it may mean that the clot has moved from your arm or leg to your lungs.
You may also experience severe coughing, even coughing up blood. You may have chest pain or feel dizzy.