Why Blood Clots are a Concern

Blood clots are a serious health concern because they can block the normal flow of blood in the body. When blood flow is blocked, it can affect how well your organs and tissues receive oxygen.

In some cases, clots can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, and cause severe, life-threatening problems.

Because of these risks, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a clot and seek medical attention promptly.

A clot that forms in a vein is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT can partially or completely block the flow of blood through your body. Veins are the blood vessels that carry blood from your body back to your heart. When blood cannot flow properly, it can pool in the area where the clot has formed, causing swelling, warmth, redness, or pain in the leg or arm.

A blocked vein can also slow the body’s circulation and blood flow. Overtime, this can sometimes damage the vein walls and can lead to long-term problems. Untreated clots can increase the risk of future clots forming or cause lasting issues with your veins.

If a clot breaks loose from a vein and travels to the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). The lungs are responsible for supplying oxygen to the rest of the body. When a PE blocks blood flow in the lungs, it prevents oxygen from moving into the bloodstream properly. This can place a sudden and serious strain on both the lungs and the heart.

A PE is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Even smaller clots can reduce oxygen levels and cause lasting damage to the lungs or heart. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to lower the risk of serious complications and future clots.