Don’t Ignore These 8 Blood Clot Warning Signs

Blood clots can happen to anybody. And responding quickly helps prevent complications and long-term damage. Vascular medicine specialist Michael Tran, DO, shares eight common blood clot symptoms and when to seek help.

Blood clot signs to look out for

Blood clots can occur anywhere along the 60,000 miles of blood vessels in your body — and the symptoms can vary based on the type of clot you have, where it is and your health history.

You can get blood clots in veins, arteries and capillaries. Arterial clotting is the type that causes heart attacks and strokes. We’re focusing here on clots that affect your veins.

The most common kinds of venous blood clots are:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A DVT forms in the deep veins of your body, usually somewhere in your leg, arm or abdomen. Thrombosis means the clot stays where it is, blocking blood flow.
• Pulmonary embolism (PE): If a DVT breaks off and travels to your lungs, it can create a pulmonary embolism. Embolisms are blood clots that break free and travel to other parts of your body.

“Everyone has different symptoms, which can range from being barely noticeable to severe,” Dr. Tran notes. “But there are still several red flags that are worth knowing about.”

1. Swelling in arms and legs

If you have DVT in an arm or leg, it can swell — and may even become discolored or warm to the touch. You may notice your arm or leg turning slightly purple because of the congestion caused by the blood clot, Dr. Tran says.

Most people have some degree of leg swelling, especially near the end of the day.

“That’s not the kind we worry about,” Dr. Tran explains. Instead, watch for swelling that:

• Is sudden or more dramatic
• Lingers throughout the day
• Doesn’t get better with elevation

While less common, DVT can happen elsewhere too, like your abdomen. Always take unexplained swelling that doesn’t go away seriously.

2. Pain

New, unexplained leg pain — such as a calf cramp or charley horse — may signal a blood clot. Ditto for unexplained arm or abdominal pain. But if the pain only lasts for a few seconds and doesn’t come back, it’s probably not a blood clot.

If you think you might have DVT, reach out to your healthcare provider. When you do, tell them which part of your body hurts. Some clot locations are more dangerous than others. The more info you share, the better.

3. Varicose vein changes

If you have varicose veins, warning signs of DVT include:

• A vein that bulges and doesn’t flatten when you lay flat or raise your leg
• A vein that suddenly hardens
• Skin around a varicose vein becoming tender and red

4. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath that’s new and unexplained could indicate a PE — especially if that feeling lingers.

“Breathlessness will last for hours, even days, if there is a blood clot,” notes Dr. Tran. “If you feel breathless for a second and then you’re OK, it’s probably not a clot.”

5. Chest pain

While chest pain may signal a heart issue, it can also point to a PE. The chest pain will either be constant or happen when you take deep breaths.

“It may feel like a shooting pain that starts in your front and travels to your back,” Dr. Tran reports. “You may also feel chest heaviness or pressure that lasts. If it’s just fleeting, goes away and doesn’t happen again, you’re probably not dealing with a blood clot.”

6. Coughing up blood

Another sign of a PE is coughing up blood. But keep in mind that the sputum (spit or mucus) will have more than a tinge of blood in it.

“It will be more like a teaspoon or tablespoon of blood,” Dr. Tran clarifies.

7. High heart rate

If you have a PE, your heart may try to compensate by beating harder and faster. The racing, pounding or palpitations you’re feeling could be your heart working overtime to keep blood pumping through your lungs.

In addition to your heart rate picking up, having a PE means the blood traveling through your veins will have less oxygen.

8. Low blood pressure

When your heart beats too fast for too long, it can cause your blood pressure to drop and limit the amount of oxygen you get. If that’s happening, you may also get:

• Dizzy or lightheaded
• Sweaty
• Cold, clammy skin
• Blurred vision
• A headache
• Confused
• Nauseated
• Weak or fatigued

A severe episode of low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause a fainting spell (syncope). Always call 911 for an unexplained loss of consciousness.

When to call your doctor

When to call for help — and whether that call’s to your primary care provider or 911 (emergency services) — depends on the type of clot you think you have.

Go to the ER

• If you think you have a pulmonary embolism: Some PEs can be life-threatening. Call emergency services or have someone drive you to the emergency room if you notice signs of a blood clot in your lung, like chest pain and shortness of breath.
• If you suspect DVT and need help outside of your provider’s business hours: “Urgent cares often can’t do ultrasounds, which is the test you need,” Dr. Tran explains.

Go to your primary care provider

• If you think you have DVT: “It’s not like a stroke where you need to get to the ER within three hours,” Dr. Tran explains. “It’s OK to take a wait-and-see approach.” If your symptoms continue for more than a day or two, or get noticeably worse, reach out to your primary care doctor. They’ll help you decide next steps.

Final thoughts

You don’t have to wait until you think you’re dealing with a blood clot to get help from your healthcare provider. After all, prevention is the best medicine.

If you’re worried about developingblood clots for any reason, talk to your primary care provider. They can evaluate your overall health and give you tailor-made advice to help you reduce your risk.