Blood clots affect people of all ages, race and gender. One of the most important things you can do to prevent blood clots is to know if you are at risk. There are many symptoms may look normal but they are not.
Blood clots are very common. A blood clot is a gel-like mass formed by platelets and fibrin in the blood to stop bleeding.
They usually develop in the legs or arms, but they can form almost anywhere in the bay, including around the heart, brain or lungs.
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Left untreated, the clot may make its way into the lungs, which can be very serious. This is known as a pulmonary embolism.
It’s, therefore, absolutely essential that you seek medical attention if you think that you have a blood clot.
A blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the body is known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The most common signs of a DVT include having a particularly swollen leg, or legs.
The swelling may also be accompanied by a deep pain or numbness.
Skin around the affected area may change colour to appear more blue or red, according to the not-for-profit organisation National Blood Clot Alliance.
Some patients’ legs or arms feel warmer to the touch than usual, it added.
It said: “Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your body, usually in your legs, but sometimes in your arm.
“Symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a ‘Charley horse’.
“But they may differ in that the leg (or arm) may be swollen, slightly discoloured, and warm.
“Contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have any of these symptoms, because you may need treatment right away.”
If you have a blood clot that makes it all the way into the lungs, it’s known as a pulmonary embolism.
The most common sign of a pulmonary embolism is having sudden shortness of breath.
Some patients also have sharp chest pain which tend to get worse when they breathe.
An unexplained cough that produces bloody mucus should also be seen by a doctor.
The best way to protect against blood clots is to know if you’re at risk, added the National Blood Clot Alliance.
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The most common risk factors for blood clots include obesity, a family history of blood clots, and sitting for long periods of time in the same position.