Blood clots may be more common in patients with underlying risk factors, but they can happen to anyone. Learning to recognize the warning signs can help patients get treatment faster.
What is a blood clot?
A blood clot occurs when a clump of blood changes from a liquid to gel or solid state.
“It’s a normal process that would help us stop bleeding when we’re injured, for example, but they can also occur when they’re not needed,” said Kelsey Martin, MD, a hematologist and oncologist who cares for patients at Smilow Cancer Hospital and assistant professor in Hematology at Yale School of Medicine.
When clots form inside blood vessels, they can potentially block blood flow and become dangerous or life threatening.
There are two main types of blood clots that form in veins. Deep vein thrombosis usually occurs in a leg or sometimes arm. A pulmonary embolism is a clot that travels to the lungs.
What are the signs of a blood clot?
Symptoms vary depending on where the clot is located. For example, symptoms associated with deep vein thrombosis can include:
- Swelling in one leg
- Cramping
- Pain or tenderness
- Red or warmth in the leg
Symptoms associated with pulmonary embolism may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations or rapid heart rate
- Chest pain
- Fainting
Any of those symptoms would warrant emergency care.
What are the treatments for blood clots?
Treatment varies depending on the type of clot, but blood thinners can prevent the clot from growing or extending and reduces the risk of new clots forming.
“Sometimes people think that once a blood clot is treated, they’re no longer at risk. But there are some people who remain at high risk and may need to be on medication for a longer period,” said Dr. Martin.
Larger clots or more severe cases may require the use of clot busting medications or surgical interventions.
Who is at risk for blood clots?
Common risk factors associated with blood clots can include:
- Family history of clots
- Cancer diagnosis
- Obesity
- Recent hospitalization or surgery
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Those on estrogen containing medication
- Chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions
Preventing blood clots
Understanding risk factors and being proactive is one of the best ways to prevent blood clots. For example, someone who is about to undergo surgery should speak with their care team about the potential risk of clots in advance and be on the lookout for signs or symptoms once they are home.
Another way to reduce your risk is to quit smoking and maintain a healthy body weight. Staying hydrated and avoiding long periods of sitting is important for everyone, especially those preparing for a lengthy travel day.
“I tell patients to avoid alcohol and try to avoid caffeine on a plane. If you drink plenty of water, it forces you to get up and use the bathroom. The same thing with driving. If you drink plenty of water, you are going to have to make rest stops along the way and get up and stretch your legs,” Dr. Martin said.
