Symptoms of blood clots to watch out for

In the United States, blood clots claim their lives every six minutes.

While people of all ages can be affected, there is good news: with the right care, it is preventable.

The risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg, thigh or pelvis, increases with age.

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Clots can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the arm, and if any of them breaks and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, it can cause pulmonary embolism (PE) – blockage of the arteries in the lungs.

DVT and PE are called venous thromboembolism (VTE). which can result in serious illness, disability or death.

In the United States, up to 100,000 people die from blood clots each year, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and VTE affects up to 900,000 Americans each year.

People who are obese, have inflammatory lung, heart or bowel disease, recent or recurring cancer, or who take estrogen-based medication are at greater risk of blood clots.

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Other major risk factors include hospitalization, surgery, pregnancy, trauma, smoking, a family history of blood clots, and immobility or sitting for long periods of time.

Experts say people should be on the lookout for symptoms of blood clots during or soon after a prolonged drive or plane ride.

Additionally, AARP notes that scientists have found a link between the COVID-19 virus and abnormal blood clots that are potentially triggered by high levels of inflammation.

Symptoms of DVT include pain or tenderness not caused by injury, swelling in the legs or arms, warm skin to the touch with swelling or pain, and redness of the skin with swelling or pain.

Symptoms of PE include difficulty breathing, chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing up blood, very low blood pressure or dizziness and fainting, and faster than normal heartbeat or irregular.

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If a blood clot is found, most patients will be put on blood thinning medication and surgery may be needed in rare cases, the AARP said.

To prevent clots, people are advised to know the risks and recognize the symptoms, to see a doctor as soon as possible if they have symptoms, and to speak with a doctor about blood clots before any surgery.