How do I know if I have a blood clot in my leg? The SEVEN key symptoms of a blood clot
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Blood clots are very serious, and need to be treated as soon as possible. A clot could block up the blood vessels, which makes it increasingly difficult to deliver blood around the body. But it can be difficult to know if you’re at risk of the condition.
Blood clots are relatively common, and are caused by proteins and platelets clumping together in the blood vessels.
They usually develop in the legs or arms, but they can form almost anywhere in the bay, including around the heart, brain or lungs.
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.
Blood clots are most likely to develop in the arms or legs, way beneath the skin’s surface.
These are known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and they still have the capacity to make their way into the heart or lungs.
Most people develop a DVT after spending long periods of time sitting down – for example, on a long-haul flight.
While most people may not develop any tell-tale signs of a blood clot in their legs, there are some key symptoms to watch out for.
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“When blood clots don’t fall apart, they can be dangerous and lead to serious medical conditions,” said medical website WebMD.
“You can get them in blood vessels in just about any part of your body. They’re most likely to affect a leg, especially if you sit for long periods of time.
“If you learn the warning signs, you’re more likely to get quick medical help that can make a huge difference in keeping you out of the danger zone.
“But it’s important to know that in some cases, clots can happen with few symptoms or none at all…”
One of the most common symptoms of a blood clot is swelling.
You may find that your entire left starts to swell up, and it may be warm to the touch.
The leg may start to become increasingly itchy, and it could develop a red or blue tinge to the skin.
As the blood clot develops, the leg may become painful or sore; similar to a dull ache.
If the clot is in the lower leg, you could develop persistent cramp.
Some patients also start to struggle to breathe, which is usually a sign that the clot has moved from the leg toward the lungs.
The difficulty breathing is likely to be accompanied by a bad cough, chest pain, and dizziness.
You should dial 999 and ask for an ambulance straight away if you think your blood clot has moved into your lungs.
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