Recognize Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots
There are several important signs and symptoms of blood clots. If you can recognize these signs and symptoms, you can save your life or the life of a friend or family member.
Symptoms of a Blood Clot in the Leg or Arm (Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT)
-
Swelling
-
Pain or tenderness not caused by injury
-
Skin that is warm to the touch
-
Redness or discoloration of the skin
If you have these signs or symptoms, alert your doctor as soon as possible.
Learn more about how DVT is diagnosed: How is DVT diagnosed?
Symptoms of a Blood Clot in the Lung (Pulmonary Embolism or PE)
-
Difficulty breathing
-
Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or lying down
-
Coughing, or coughing up blood
-
Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat
Seek immediate attention if you experience these signs or symptoms.
Learn more about how PE is diagnosed here: How is PE diagnosed?
Blood Clot Awareness Stop the Clot® Acronym
Share our Blood Clot Awareness Stop the Clot® acronym to highlight the signs and symptoms of blood clots. Knowing can save your life or the life of someone you know. Download a PDF version here.
Prevent Blood Clots
Blood clots are preventable and can be safely treated. You can reduce your risk by learning some of the best ways to protect yourself from life-threatening blood clots.
-
Know your risk for blood clots.
-
Recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
-
Tell your doctor if you have risk factors for blood clots.
-
Before any surgery, talk with your doctor about blood clots.
-
See your doctor as soon as possible if you do have any symptoms of a blood clot. Blood clots can be safely treated.
-
Get up and move if you’ve been sitting for a long time or traveling for a long time by plane, train, or car. Stand up, walk around, and stretch your legs every two to three hours.
-
Maintain a healthy weight.
-
Don’t smoke or take steps quit smoking
