Deadly threat: 7 signs that there may be blood clots in the body
'09.03.2020'
Source: Life hacker
If you don’t ask for help in time, you can say goodbye to life, writes Lifehacker.
Blood clots are clots of clotted blood. Normally, they protect us from scratches and other wounds: blood coagulates, a blood clot stops bleeding from a damaged capillary or vein. And then, having completed the task, within several hours or days it safely disintegrates and disappears. But sometimes things don't go according to plan.
Why are blood clots dangerous?
Blood clots can occur inside the veins. This condition is called thrombosis. Most often, it affects the legs, especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle. But at risk can be any part of the body.
If such a blood clot comes off, it enters the general bloodstream and can clog vessels in the heart, brain, or lungs. This is a deadly situation that can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary thromboembolism - stopping the lungs.
Therefore, it is extremely important to know the symptoms with which blood clots manifest themselves. Your life may depend on this.
Call an ambulance immediately if:
- suddenly it became difficult to breathe, there is a lack of oxygen;
- there was chest pain or simply discomfort, which intensifies with coughing or taking a deep breath;
- when coughing sputum with blood;
- difficulties with speech;
- vision deteriorated - in the eyes began to double, blind spots appeared, "fog";
- blood pressure dropped sharply, and this is accompanied by dizziness, blurred consciousness, fainting.
This is how a heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism manifest themselves. Not the fact that they are provoked by a detached blood clot. But in any case, there is no time to think about the reasons: if the above symptoms appear, immediately seek help.
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How to understand that you may have blood clots
It is better not to bring things to critical, deadly manifestations - this is already understandable. It is important to catch thrombosis at the earliest possible stage in order to prevent complications.
The problem is that it is difficult to suspect the presence of blood clots in the vessels. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in about half of people, blood clots almost do not manifest themselves.
Nevertheless, it is still possible to suggest a blockage of blood vessels. Here are a few signs that indicate possible thrombosis in different parts of the body.
1. Swelling in the leg or arm
Edema can either occur in the place where the vessel is directly clogged, or spread to the entire limb. Moreover, in this case only one arm or leg suffers - the one in the vessels of which the suspected blood clot is located.
2. Leg cramps
Regular cramps can be a symptom of circulatory disorders. It can cause it, including blood clots.
3. Sudden leg pain
This is one of the main symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. Often pain in the calf muscle, sharp or throbbing, is almost the only sign of acute circulatory failure.
4. Skin color changes
A blood clot impedes normal blood circulation. As a result, part of the blood vessels are overflowing with blood, and part, on the contrary, suffers from its lack. This can be manifested by changes in skin color: in some parts of the affected limb, it reddens or becomes cyanotic, in others, on the contrary, it turns pale.
5. Change in skin temperature
In the area of a blood clot, the skin may regularly heat up and itch. An increase in temperature has a chance to feel by touch.
6. Unmotivated bouts of nausea or vomiting
If you feel nauseous regularly, it may be a symptom of thrombosis of the mesenteric vessels - those that supply blood to different parts of the intestine. You can assume the condition if vomiting appears, but does not bring relief, and you continue to feel nauseous.
7. Abdominal pain
It can also be a sign of clogging of the mesenteric vessels. Especially if the stomach aches almost constantly, and the pain intensifies after eating. Also among the indirect signs of thrombosis are diarrhea and bloating.
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What to do if you have signs of thrombosis
At the slightest suspicion, be sure to consult a therapist as soon as possible. The doctor will conduct an examination, ask you about the symptoms and, if necessary, send you to a specialist - a phlebologist or a vascular surgeon.
Treatment will depend on where the blood clot is located and how high the risk is that it may come off. One option is to offer you to wear compression stockings to reduce swelling and pain and not allow the clot to increase in size. Medicines may also be required: thromboembolitics (they dissolve blood clots) and anticoagulants (reduce blood clotting and prevent new blood clots from forming). The last resort is surgery.
We remind you once again: only a qualified doctor can decide which treatment method will be most effective in your case. Amateur action in this matter is deadly.
And do not relax. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 out of 10 people who get rid of thrombosis have blood clots again over the next 10 years. Therefore, train yourself to monitor your well-being. Life can depend on this.
The material is published for educational purposes and is not a medical recommendation. ForumDaily Woman is not responsible for the consequences of self-medication and may not share the views of the author or expert.
