When the body is injured in a way that cuts or punctures, in order to stop the bleeding a blood clot can sometimes form. Usually with no ill effects. However, there are times when they form in locations they’re not needed in. Because of this early detection is important though recognition of symptoms and signs.

Blood is constantly in flow throughout the body. Your heart pumps the blood through your arteries and then returns it to the heart where the process starts again. When motion and current cease blood can become stagnant, resulting in the possibility of blood clots.

The Top Warning Signs

Color Changes

If you notice that an area in your body turns red or blueish, has a red streak, or becomes overly itchy, you may have a blood clot.

Swelling

If you develop a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) also known as a blood clot in your arm or leg you could experience swelling. Risk factors for DVT include recent surgery, being stationary all of the time, or sitting on a plane at high elevation without movement for a long period of time.

Heart Palpitations

If you develop a clot in your lungs (a pulmonary embolism) it slows down your O2 rate. This causes your heart rate to speed up to make up the difference in the amount of O2 received.

Pain

Your entire body runs because of blood circulation. It requires it in order to move. A blood flow blocking clot can cause inflammation which leads to severe pain in the limb.

Breathing Problems

This can also be a sign of a lung based blood clot. You may have a deep cough or even cough up blood. Pain in the chest and dizziness Dizziness are also signs. Seek treatment immediately.

Elevated Blood Pressure

A kidney based clot can keep the kidneys from functioning properly and negatively influence the ability to process waste, removing it from your body. If left untreated it can cause kidney failure or higher than normal blood pressure. You may also notice you have a hard time breathing, leg swelling, blood in your urine or a fever.

Problems Seeing and Speaking

A brain-based blood clot can cause feelings of weakness, vision issues, speech problems, and even lead to a stroke.

Nausea or Vomiting

If a clot occurs in the veins that block the blood from your intestines, it can result in nausea, vomiting, blood in the stool, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Never take a potential blood clot lightly. It isn’t a wait and see situation. If you believe you may have a clot please call your doctor immediately or head to the nearest ER.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area and looking for a great Cardiologist please consider Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Give us a call at (813) 975-2800 or visit online at www.tampacardio.com.