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What to do if you have a blood clot

If you notice a blood clot

If you notice any signs of a blood clot, seek medical help immediately. Blood clots can be serious and need prompt evaluation and treatment by a health-care professional.

If you have already been diagnosed with a blood clot, it’s important to:

Follow your health-care provider’s instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed medications
Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your condition
Contact your health-care provider if you notice any new or worsening symptoms

Who to call

Emergency: If you have severe symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
HealthLink BC (non-emergency advice): Call 8-1-1 to speak with a navigator for guidance and to connect you with a health-care professional. Learn more about HealthLink BC.
Your health-care provider: Contact your health-care provider if you think you are developing symptoms of a blood clot or are experiencing worsening symptoms of an existing blood clot

If you have already been diagnosed with a blood clot

If you have been diagnosed with a blood clot, following your treatment plan closely is essential to prevent complications such as the clot growing, breaking loose or causing further health problems.

Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed

Blood thinners (anticoagulants) are commonly prescribed to prevent clots from getting bigger and to reduce the risk of new clots forming
It's important to take your medication at the same time each day and never skip doses
Do not stop or change your medication without first consulting your health-care provider, even if you feel better

Attend all follow-up appointments

Regular check-ups allow your health-care team to monitor how the clot is responding to treatment
Your doctor may order blood tests or imaging tests to track your progress
Follow-up appointments also give you a chance to discuss any side effects or concerns about your treatment

Report any new or worsening symptoms immediately

Contact your health-care provider if you notice:
- Increased swelling, redness or pain in your leg or arm
- Shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing up blood
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding while on blood thinner
Prompt reporting ensures early intervention and can prevent serious complications

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