The Health of Your Veins: How to Know if You Have Blood Clots

Blood clots can cause serious health problems, such as stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and even gangrene. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of thrombosis and know how to prevent its development. Inc-News talked to vascular surgeon and phlebologist Ekaterina Smarigina on this topic to understand the main signs of blood clots and methods of their prevention.

What is a blood clot?

A blood clot is a blood clot that forms inside blood vessels. Its job is to stop bleeding when a vessel is damaged. However, if the clot becomes too large, it can block blood flow and cause serious complications.

Comment from vascular surgeon and phlebologist Ekaterina Smarigina:

"Human blood is a tissue that is in a liquid state due to the presence of coagulation and anticoagulation systems. A thrombus is the coagulation system's response to damage to the vessel wall and helps to close the resulting 'holes'. A large accumulation of such clots leads to thrombosis."

Specific symptoms of blood clots

Blood clots can form in different parts of the body, and symptoms will depend on their location.

In the legs:

• Pain in the calf muscles, which increases with walking or pressure.
• Swelling of the lower leg.
• Changes in skin color (paleness, cyanosis).

In hand:

• Swelling and pain.
• Skin color change.

In other parts of the body:

• Pain and swelling in the affected area.
• Possible change in skin color.

Comment by Ekaterina Smarigina:

"The main places for the occurrence of this phenomenon are deep and superficial veins. Depending on the location, the sensations change. Deep veins are characterized by swelling, bursting pain, increased temperature, and a bluish color of the limb. Thrombosis of a superficial vein is determined by pain and reddening of the skin along the vein, local hyperthermia, and compaction."

How to recognize thrombosis

Sensations and changes in the body that may indicate the presence of a blood clot:

• Pain and discomfort: especially when moving or pressing.
• Shortness of breath and chest pain: with a blood clot in the lungs.
• General increase in body temperature.

External signs

The following external signs should be noted:

• Swelling: Especially in one limb, often below the site of the clot.
• Skin color changes: Pale, bluish, or reddened skin.

Can blood clots resolve on their own?

Blood clots can resolve on their own, but this does not always happen and can be dangerous due to the risk of the blood clot breaking off and moving to vital organs. Medical intervention is often necessary to prevent complications.

Commentary by Ekaterina Smarigina:

"Occasionally, blood clots may resolve on their own, but in most cases, thrombosis is a life-threatening condition that must be managed by a vascular surgeon or phlebologist."

When to see a doctor?

You should see a doctor immediately if you experience:

• Sudden shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Sharp pain and swelling in a limb.
• Changes in skin color.
• Rapid heartbeat or loss of consciousness.

Preventing Thrombosis

• Lifestyle changes that help prevent thrombosis:
• Regular physical activity.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Quitting smoking.
• Drinking enough fluids.
• Using compression stockings when needed.
• Avoiding prolonged sitting, especially when flying or traveling.

Comment by Ekaterina Smarigina:

"A specialist can prevent a direct fatal outcome, as well as protect the human body from negative consequences - tissue necrosis, pigmentation, etc. Prevention of thrombosis during surgery is a preliminary consultation with a vascular surgeon to assess the condition of the circulatory system. With prolonged standing and sitting loads, I recommend compression socks or stockings, drinking water and walking whenever possible. The only universal preventive measure for all people is movement."

Thrombosis is a serious condition that requires timely detection and treatment. If you have symptoms that indicate thrombosis, consult a doctor immediately. Remember that prevention is the best way to avoid this dangerous disease. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and following medical recommendations will help you maintain healthy blood vessels.

For more detailed information and recommendations, visit specialized medical resources and consult with specialized specialists.