Blood clots are an important function that stops us from bleeding too much if we get injured, but they can sometimes be deadly when they form when they are not required.
Certain people may be more likely to develop a blood clot, such as smokers, those who are overweight, those who live a sedentary lifestyle or those who use the contraceptive pill, patch or vaginal ring.
If a blood clot develops, it can cause a stroke, heart attack or even be fatal.
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How severe a clot will be depends on where they form in the body. For example, the severity of a clot increases as they move through the bloodstream. This means that Deep Vein Thrombosis, which usually starts in a vein in the leg, can be very dangerous.
Other people at risk at developing blood clots, according to the HSE, include those who are pregnant or who have had a baby less than 6 weeks ago, have active cancer or are receiving cancer treatment, have one or both legs immobilised or in a cast, or have been admitted to hospital and for 90 days after you go home.
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate you have a blood clot, and it is critical that the clot is spotted in the early stages when it can be dissolved.
Here are four of the biggest red flag symptoms when it comes to blood clots.
Trouble breathing
This occurs as blood flow through the lungs is dramatically decreased, which in turn reduces the amount of blood flowing to the neighbouring organs.
Occasionally, patients may cough up blood or may experience pain in the chest and dizziness, all of which warrant a visit to the emergency department.
Swelling
When a clot slows or stops the flow of blood, it can build up in the vessel and make it swell.
“If it happens in your lower leg or calf, it’s often a sign of DVT,” explains WebMD.
The health site added: “But you also can have a clot in your arms or belly.
“Even after it goes away, one in three people still have swelling and sometimes pain and sores from damage to the blood vessel.”
Skin colour change
There have also been cases where a person’s skin gives off a discoloured white tone warning something is not right. The health platform Blood Clot Recovery explains that "changes in skin colour, such as turning pale, red or blue or purple", can be indicative of deep vein thrombosis.
Pain
Symptoms of a blood clot include a throbbing or cramping pain. The leg pain or discomfort may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness or general soreness.
The affected area where the blood clot may also feel warm to the touch.
If you have any of these symptoms and suspect that it might be a blood clot, the best thing to do is to phone your GP or to go to A&E to get it checked out.
The HSE website recommends seeking medical help “immediately” if you have any of the above symptoms, as well as a cough or coughing up blood.
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