Have you ever noticed that the blood stops flowing almost immediately after cutting yourself? Yes, that is made possible by a blood clot that stops the bleeding. The blood cot usually clears out when it has successfully stopped the blood flow.

However, when this does not happen, the clot can travel to other body parts and become dangerous. If the clot breaks, it could travel to the vein in your lungs and heart and prevent blood flow; it can be life-threatening, and it is vital to visit an ER near you for assistance.

What Causes Blood Clots?

Several factors can cause blood clots, but it depends on the type of clot. Arterial clots are mostly caused by plaques–made of fat and mineral deposits– that break and restrict blood flow.
Vein clots are wider caused by a disease, injury, lack of movement or immobility, or fractured bone. Other factors include obesity, autoimmune disorders, hormone therapy, or birth control medications.

What Are the Types of Blood Clots?

Blood clots affect the body differently:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT is a blood clot in the leg, and it occurs when a clot forms in one of the deep found in the arms and legs. The blood clot can travel to the heart and lungs if not addressed promptly. DVT forms when you stay immobile for an extended period, like a long stay in the hospital or long travel.

Visit the emergency room in Abilene when you notice swelling in the arms or legs, red or blue color, intense pain on your leg, warm skin, or pitting edema. You may also experience swollen, painful veins or lower leg cramps.

• Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism occurs when one of the arteries in the lung is blocked. In most cases, the blockage is caused by a blood clot that travels from others parts of the body like the legs. Blood clots in the lungs are life-threatening, but you can reduce the risk of death if treatment is started promptly.

The symptoms of PE vary depending on the size and severity of the clot. The common signs are dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, cough, irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, fever, leg pain, swelling, and discolored skin.

• Heart

A blood clot around the heart vessels can lead to a heart attack. Watch out for severe pain in the chest, sweating, and trouble breathing.

• Stroke

Blood clots caused by fatty deposits in the blood vessels can affect the blood supply to the brain, leading to a stroke. Signs of a stroke include vision or speech problems, seizures, and body weakness.

How Are Blood Clots Treatment?

Some of the treatments that the doctor can use include:

• Blood thinners

Anticoagulant medications are used to thin the blood and prevent the existing blood clots from expanding and reduce the formation of new clots. These blood thinners are used for the first five to ten days after diagnosis, although some can use them for weeks or even years.

• Compression socks

Compression socks are fitted over the foot and extend to the groin. They are made of elastic and designed to assist in blood flow from the legs to the heart. These socks are available in prescription or drug stores.

• Thrombolytic

These drugs dissolve the clots and are often used for people who have large clots.

• Surgery

The doctor may opt for surgery if the blood thinners and thrombolytic do not work. The surgery is also done if the clots are large and damaging the nearby tissues.

How Can You Prevent Blood Clots?

You can prevent the formation of blood clots by:

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing. When you are on a long journey, make sure to wear loose and comfortable clothing. This will prevent your clothes from constricting your blood flow.
• Exercising is one of the best ways to prevent blood clots. When you exercise, your muscles contract and push the blood through your veins, this helps prevent the formation of clots.
• Eat a healthy diet is another way to prevent blood clots. Foods rich in fiber and antioxidants help reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Quit smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese predisposes you to blood clots.

Take Action!

Blood clots are life-threatening, and it is crucial to seek emergency treatment to prevent any complications. Visit Express ER for assistance when you notice any of the symptoms listed above.