DVT is a serious condition, so if you think you may have DVT, you should see a doctor without delay. Call an ambulance on triple zero (000) if you: become short of breath.
Other red flags to keep your eyes peeled out for include heaviness in the legs, warmth in the legs as well as itching and throbbing in the legs. You should also look to visit an ER for blood clots if your veins become swollen and red as well as becoming really hard and tender to the touch.
If you have symptoms like leg swelling, leg pain, or chest pain, you should go to the ED. When you get there, a doctor will ask you questions about your health and symptoms and examine you. They might also use special machines to take pictures of your veins or check your blood.
Living with DVT
It is important to start treatment right away for DVT. It takes about 3 to 6 months for a blood clot to go away. During this time, there are things you can do to relieve symptoms.
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. A blood clot in your lungs is called a pulmonary embolism (POOL-mo-nar-e EM-bo-liz-em). If this happens, your life can be in danger.
Trouble breathing.
If this happens, it could mean that the clot has moved from your arm or leg to your lungs. You may also get a bad cough, and might even cough up blood. You may get pain in your chest or feel dizzy. Call 911 to get medical help right away.
If you develop symptoms of a pulmonary embolism (PE) — a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis — seek emergency medical help. The warning signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include: Sudden shortness of breath. Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough.
Exercising With DVT
Overly strenuous exercise while suffering from DVT can cause complications and negatively affect your health. Exercising with DVT should start light, and build up slowly over time. A common exercise regimen involves going for walks every day and gradually adding more time to each walk.
Many patients with blood clots can go home from ER.
Blood Clots can cause heart attacks and strokes. If you are experiencing suspicious heart problems or numbness in your arms or legs, you should go to the nearest emergency center (ER) for treatment immediately.
If a DVT is not treated, it can move or break off and travel to the lungs. A blood clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism or PE. This requires immediate medical attention since it can cause death.
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.
Patients with cancer are at a higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). Blood clots can be life-threatening, should be taken seriously, and should be treated immediately.
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.
Elevate your legs above the level of your heart.
Elevate your legs when you sit or lie down, as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your legs on pillows or blankets to keep them elevated comfortably.
If a clot breaks free from the spot where it formed, it may cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism, when the clot travels through blood vessels and enters the lung. Not all blood clots in the leg lead to pulmonary embolism; some resolve on their own.
For most people, walking or taking care of some housework are fine right after you find out you have DVT.
Symptoms of a blood clot include: 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.
DON'T stand or sit in one spot for a long time. DON'T wear clothing that restricts blood flow in your legs. DON'T smoke. DON'T participate in contact sports when taking blood thinners because you're at risk of bleeding from trauma.
If the clot is in an artery, emergency treatment is often required. Sometimes a catheter-based procedure to break up or remove the clot is necessary. Other times, clot-busting drugs (thrombolytics) can be used.
Blood clots can cause serious medical conditions that can lead to illness, disability, and even death if not treated early.