Does a blood clot always require hospitalization?

If you are diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in one of your deep veins, you may assume that you need to be treated in the hospital. But that's not always the case. In fact, research even shows that in some cases, treatment at home may be more successful than in-hospital treatment.

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Do you have to be hospitalized to treat a blood clot?

Will you be admitted to the hospital or sent home? If a DVT is confirmed, you may be discharged and sent home with injectable or oral anticoagulant medication (sometimes called a blood thinner). That said, every patient is different, and you may be admitted to the hospital if the ER doctor believes it's necessary.

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How long do you have to stay in the hospital if you have a blood clot?

The time a person spends in the hospital depends on how severe the clot is and whether the person's body is dissolving the clot on its own. Some people may not need to stay in the hospital at all, while others may require 1 week or more.

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Is it okay to leave a blood clot untreated?

A large clot can cause the lungs to collapse, resulting in heart failure, which can be fatal. About one in 10 people with an untreated DVT develops a severe pulmonary embolism.

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How long can you live with an untreated blood clot?

About 25% of people who have a PE will die suddenly, and that will be the only symptom. About 23% of people with PE will die within 3 months of diagnosis, just over 30% will die after 6 months, and there is a 37% mortality (death) rate at 1 year after being diagnosed.

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What does a blood clot in the leg feel like?

22 related questions found

How do you know if a blood clot is serious?

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat.
  • Chest pain or discomfort, which usually worsens with a deep breath or coughing.
  • Coughing up blood.
  • Very low blood pressure, lightheadedness, or fainting.

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How worried should I be about a blood clot?

If you think you have a blood clot, call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away! Blood clots can be dangerous. Blood clots that form in the veins in your legs, arms, and groin can break loose and move to other parts of your body, including your lungs.

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How do you know if a blood clot is traveling?

Signs of PE might include the following:
  • Shortness of breath.
  • A rapid heartbeat.
  • Chest pain or discomfort that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough.
  • Coughing up blood.
  • Feeling lightheaded or faint.
  • Feeling anxious or sweating.
  • Fever.
  • Having clammy or discolored skin.

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What are the first signs of a blood clot?

throbbing or cramping pain, swelling, redness and warmth in a leg or arm. sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain (may be worse when you breathe in) and a cough or coughing up blood.

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Do you have to be on bed rest with a blood clot?

For years, if you had a DVT, your doctor would order bed rest. This was thought to lower the risk of a clot traveling through your bloodstream to your lungs. But recent research suggests that bed rest doesn't help people with DVT and that it may be fine for you to get up and move around.

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What would an ER do for a blood clot?

For venous clots, you will take blood thinners (a)nticoagulants to prevent the clot from growing and help blood flow past the clot. You may also need a procedure to place a filter in your vena cava, the large vein that carries blood to your heart. The filter will stop the clot from entering your heart or lungs.

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When should I go to the hospital if I think I have a blood clot in my leg?

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You have symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), such as pain and swelling, and: breathlessness.

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What are the 5 warning signs of a blood clot?

They include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain while breathing in or coughing, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, feeling faint or fainting, and coughing up blood. Postphlebitic syndrome. Damage to the veins from the blood clot reduces blood flow in the affected areas.

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How do I know if my blood clot is getting worse?

As the clot gets worse, you may feel a sensation ranging from a dull ache to intense pain. The pain may throb in your leg, belly, or even arm. Swelling in the spot where the blood clot has formed or throughout your entire arm or leg. Change in color.

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What are the 3 stages of blood clotting?

1) Constriction of the blood vessel. 2) Formation of a temporary “platelet plug." 3) Activation of the coagulation cascade.

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Is it OK to move around with a blood clot?

Following a DVT, your leg may be swollen, tender, red, or hot to the touch. These symptoms should improve over time, and exercise often helps. Walking and exercise are safe to do, but be sure to listen to your body to avoid overexertion.

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How do you feel with a blood clot?

The feeling can range from a dull ache to intense pain. You may notice the pain throbs in your leg, belly, or even your arm. Warm skin. The skin around painful areas or in the arm or leg with the DVT may feel warmer than other skin.

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Do blood clots make you tired?

It's also worth mentioning that the most common symptom after a blood clot is exhaustion and fatigue. So, be kind to yourself and rest when you need to. For the first couple of months, you might not feel like yourself; you might feel like resting is all you can do, and that's okay because that's part of this disease.

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What happens if you don't know you have a blood clot?

“But about 30–40% of cases go unnoticed, since they don't have typical symptoms.” In fact, some people don't realize they have a deep vein clot until it causes a more serious condition. Deep vein clots—especially those in the thigh—can break off and travel through the bloodstream.

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What is considered high risk for blood clots?

Who is at risk for a blood clot? Blood clots can affect anyone at any age, but certain risk factors, such as surgery, hospitalization, pregnancy, cancer and some types of cancer treatments can increase risks. In addition, a family history of blood clots can increase a person's risk.

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What not to do if you suspect a blood clot?

DO try to keep your legs elevated when sitting or lying down.
  1. DON'T stand or sit in one spot for a long time.
  2. DON'T wear clothing that restricts blood flow in your legs.
  3. DON'T smoke.
  4. DON'T participate in contact sports when taking blood thinners because you're at risk of bleeding from trauma.

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What is the best position to sleep in with a blood clot?

lie on their sides with a pillow between the knees if desirable.

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Should you elevate leg with blood clot?

Elevation: Elevating the legs can help to instantly relieve pain. A doctor may also instruct a patient to elevate the legs above the heart three or four time a day for about 15 minutes at a time. This can help to reduce swelling.

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Do blood clots hurt with movement?

The skin may have a reddened appearance as the body works to get rid of the clot. If blood flow is restricted, people often feel pain when they move the affected area, Anyone suffering these symptoms should call 9-1-1 and seek immediate treatment.

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