Are You at Risk for Blood Clots?

blood clotsBlood clots can be extremely serious – even deadly. That is why if you show symptoms of developing a clot you need to have it checked out as soon as you can at your closest Complete Care emergency medical facility. Here are some of the more common signs.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

This condition occurs when blood clots develop in one of the deeper veins of the body. While they normally occur in the legs, they can develop anywhere on the body, including the abdomen, arm and even the brain. Symptoms include swelling, pain, bluish or reddish discoloration of the skin as well as a feeling of warmth in the affected area.

Pulmonary Embolism

A complication of deep vein thrombosis that can often be fatal is a pulmonary embolism, which takes place when a clot reaches a lung. Symptoms include chest pain that worsens when you breathe deeply, a rapid heart rate, an unexplained cough or coughing up blood, or shortness of breath. If you have any reason to suspect you may have a pulmonary embolism, you must get to your nearest Complete Care emergency medical facility.

Risk Factors

There are several that can increase the risk for developing blood clots. These include immobility due to prolonged sitting, hospitalization or undergoing a surgical procedure, wearing a cast or suffering from a medical condition such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis. Other risk factors include varicose veins, advanced age, a family history of clots, obesity and more.

Please do not hesitate to get to your nearest Complete Care location as quickly as you can if you are showing the symptoms of blood clots. Contact us online if you would like to learn more about us or the services we offer.