Blood Clot In The Veins: What You Need To Know

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when one or more of the veins in the body get clotted with blood, usually in the legs. It can cause you swelling or leg pain with no utter signs on the body. There are various reasons why you may have a blood clot in the veins arising because of some medical conditions. 

What is a blood clot?

A blood clot is a clump that changes from a liquid to a semisolid substance. Clotting is necessary in some cases when you are bleeding too much, and the blood needs to be stopped from bursting out, such as the time when you are injured. When a blood clumps, it is not every time that it gets dissolve on its own, causing dangerous or life-threatening situations.

A blood clot at one fixed location would not harm you as much as a movable clot. It might travel from the veins to the heart, lungs, and the kidneys and block the blood flow to all these parts. This blockage can result in the failure of the subsequent body parts by obstructing the natural flow of the blood. You should call your doctor immediately if you are suspicious that you have a blood clot inside the body. A healthcare professional will help you with the required treatment and suggest some steps to prevent the organs like kidney from failing. 

What are the types of blood clots?

The circulatory system is formed with the clusters of veins and arteries transporting the blood throughout the body. These arteries and the veins may have a blood clot in them. 

In the case of a blood clot in the arteries, the clot is called an arterial clot. The arterial clot requires immediate treatment approach, while the symptoms include severe pain, paralysis of parts of the body, or both. In extreme cases, it can also cause a heart attack or stroke.

In veins, this type of blood clot is called a venous clot. Such clots form slowly over time, but they are also dangerous for the person. The most severe type of venous clot is called deep vein thrombosis.

Deep vein thrombosis

It is a condition that occurs when a clot forms or appears deep in the veins. Commonly it occurs in the legs, but it can also occur or form in the pelvis, lungs, brain, and the arms. 

What ate the symptoms of blood clot in the veins?

There is no definite way you can know whether you have a blood clot until you get yourself screened. If you know the signs beforehand, you can start early with the screening process and take tests for further assistance from your doctor. 

There are no apparent symptoms, of a chance they do appear, people misunderstand them with other conditions. So, here are the signs that can help you learn whether you have the condition or not:

• Swelling
• Pain in the legs and feels like cramping or soreness 
• Tenderness
• A warm sensation in the affected area
• Reddish discoloration of the skin

Signs of pulmonary embolism include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting
• Rapid pulse
• Coughing up blood

What are the risk factors of blood clot in the veins?

The risk factors of blood clots in the veins include:

Inheritance: Some people inherit a blood clot as an inherited condition. The inheritance factor plays a vital role in the formation of the blood clot in the body, but only if combined with one or more conditions. 

Prolonged rest: When you remain still for a particular time or more, the calf muscles don't contract to promote blood circulation. This also causes a blood clot in the veins. 

Injury: Injuries in the veins can also cause blood clots.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, there is increased pressure in the veins of the pelvis and the lungs. If you have inherited factors, you are more at risk. 

Oral contraceptives: Hormone replacement therapy or consumption of oral contraceptives also increases the ability of the veins to get clotted with blood. 

Obesity: Too much weight can pressurize your veins in the legs and the pelvis area. 

Smoking: Smoking also influences blood clotting and circulation.

Cancer: Some forms of cancer allow the harmful substances to get deposited in the blood and cause your blood to clot. 

Heart failure: Heart stroke or failure increases the risk of direct vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Since the symptoms of heart failure are much similar to the symptoms caused by even a small pulmonary embolism, the condition remains unnoticeable.

Inflammatory bowel disease: Bowel diseases also cause DVT. These may include Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

A family history of deep vein thrombosis: If someone in your family had DVT or pulmonary embolism before, then you are at greater risk of a blood clot in the vein. 

Age: Being older than 60 increases also increases the risk.

Prevention of blood clot in the veins 

Measures to prevent DVT or blood clot in the veins include:

Exercise: Regular exercise will help to lower the risk of blood clots and shed off the extra weight. Exercising is essential for people who sit in one particular position for quite long. 
Lifestyle changes: Sleep early, quit smoking, and work to release the stress from the body
Avoid sitting in one position: If you had surgery before and you are at bed rest, try to move as soon as possible. Sitting for a while and crossing the legs can obstruct the blood flow. Such reduced blood flow over time can also cause a blood clot in the veins. 
Apart from that, if you are on a plane, then walk occasionally. Don’t remain sited for long. 

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