Blood clots can be deadly and it’s important to be able to spot the warning signs. A leading expert has revealed the key warning signs of blood clots to look out for
Aching legs might be the result of a strenuous workout, but they could also signal a more serious underlying health issue like venous disease or blood clots.
Venous disease is a common condition that happens when the veins and valves in your leg veins aren’t functioning properly, leading to varicose veins or hidden varicose veins Blood clots can form in veins that aren’t working correctly due to changes in blood flow and stretching of the vein walls. Professor Mark Whiteley, a leading consultant venous surgeon and founder of The Whiteley Clinic, said there are key warning signs of blood clots to look out, he explained: “Such a clot of venous blood can block the veins in the leg (superficial venous thrombosis – SVT, or deep vein thrombosis DVT) or can fly off causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (clot to the lungs).”
The symptoms of blood clots can vary depending on their location in the body, whether they completely or only partially block the vessel, and whether they break off and become an embolism, reports the Express. Speaking about arterial blood clots, Professor Whiteley said: “In arteries, blood clots are much more widely known about and cause strokes, heart attacks and dead legs. Fortunately, arterial blood clots are quite uncommon. However, in your veins, the signs and symptoms can be much more subtle, and venous disease is much more common.”
Warning signs of blood clots
Symptoms of blood clots can vary depending on their location in the body, whether they completely block the vessel or only partially block it, and whether they break off and become an embolism.
Arterial blood clots
Professor Whiteley said: “In arteries, blood clots are much more widely known about and cause strokes, heart attacks and dead legs. Fortunately, arterial blood clots are quite uncommon. However, in your veins, the signs and symptoms can be much more subtle, and venous disease is much more common.
Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) typically manifests as a swollen, tender leg. Professor Whiteley explained: “If the clot is lower down the leg, it might only be the calf that is affected, and this is often mistaken for cramp.” He added: “If the clot is in the thigh veins or the pelvis, then the whole leg may be swollen and tender. If there is any suggestion of deep vein thrombosis, it is sensible to get a scan to be certain.”
Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism usually presents as a sudden dry cough and feeling short of breath, Professor Whiteley said. He explained: “If it is very severe, patients can cough up a little blood and be very unwell, with a very low blood pressure. However, it is much more common that patients just feel short of breath and have a persistent cough. Often, there can also be some sharp chest pain in certain areas when breathing in.” Any suggestion of a pulmonary embolism should be investigated urgently.
Superficial venous thrombosis
Superficial venous thrombosis or phlebitis presents as an inflamed hard lump in the leg. Professor Whiteley said: “If the vein is near the surface and big enough, it can feel like a long thin sausage, and the skin can be very red over the top of it. If it is in the calf or the thigh, and within 5-7cm of a junction with the deep vein, there is a chance that it might go into the deep veins and a one percent chance of a pulmonary embolism. “Since 2012, the international guidelines state that anyone with SVT should be referred for a venous duplex ultrasound scan and anticoagulation if needed.”
