Imagine feeling a simple pain in your leg, a harmless discomfort that you might chalk up to a false move. What if, behind this discreet signal, there was a silent enemy, ready to strike at the most unexpected moment? Blood clots can form without warning, and their consequences can be dire. Here’s what you absolutely need to know to avoid being caught off guard.
What is a blood clot, and why is it dangerous?
A blood clot, also called a thrombus, is a clump of coagulated blood that can partially or completely block circulation in a blood vessel. It’s a bit like a traffic jam suddenly appearing on your bloodstream’s highway.
These clots can form in the veins (called venous thrombosis) or in the arteries, which can lead to serious events such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack. And what makes these situations even more worrying is that it can all start with a small, discreet symptom…
The 7 signs you should never ignore
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Sudden, unexplained swelling
A calf that swells for no reason after sitting for a long time on a train or plane? It may not be just a passing discomfort. This symptom could signal deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
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Localized pain, often in the leg
It feels like a cramp or a pulling sensation. It increases when you walk or stand for long periods of time. This type of pain is not to be taken lightly.
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Warmth and redness on the skin
An area of the body that becomes abnormally warm and red may signal inflammation due to a blood clot. This is often seen in the lower limbs.
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Sudden shortness of breath
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