What Are Blood Clots? What To Know and Treatment Options

Blood clots are your body’s natural response to stop bleeding when you’re injured. However, when clots form inside your veins or arteries without injury, they can become dangerous. Clots that block or slow blood flow can lead to serious health problems, especially when they travel to vital organs such as the lungs, heart or brain.

What causes blood clots?

Many factors contribute to blood clot formation, including:

• Prolonged sitting or immobility
• Surgery or injury
• Certain medications, such as hormone replacement therapy or birth control
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Family history of clotting disorders
• Age (risk increases as we get older)

Signs and symptoms

Depending on where a blood clot forms, symptoms can differ:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), usually in the leg:

• Swelling in one leg
• Pain or tenderness
• Red or discolored skin
• Warmth in the affected area

Stroke, clot in the brain:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking
• Sudden confusion
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Severe headache

Treatment options

If diagnosed early, blood clots can often be treated effectively. Common treatment approaches include:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners): These prevent new clots from forming and existing ones from getting larger.
• Thrombolytics: Medications that dissolve clots quickly, usually used in emergencies.
• Compression stockings: Help reduce swelling and prevent further clotting in the legs.
• Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking, regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight and manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can all reduce your risk.

If you experience any symptoms of a blood clot, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection and treatment are key to avoiding life-threatening complications.