Blood clot symptoms depend very much on where the blood clot is located. Generally speaking, however, symptoms may include redness, pain or numbness, throbbing, a burning sensation and inflammation at the location of the clot. The trouble with blood clots is that they can travel to the brain causing a stroke. Alternatively, they can travel to the heart spurring a heart attack, or they can travel to the lungs causing pulmonary embolism. These are all extremely serious conditions that require emergency medical care. But, prior to suffering these serious, potential results of a blood clot, you may or may not have symptoms.
One type of blood clot that is usually symptomatic is a clot that occurs in the leg. The affected leg might swell, get red, and feel tender or warm. Blood clot symptoms in the leg can also include difficulty standing on the affected leg, and shooting pains that may reach the foot. The calves may ache in a dull way when you walk. Since this type of blood clot can move, it is a considerable risk and must be treated immediately by a doctor.
Basically, blood clot symptoms for clots that reach the heart are the same as standard heart attack symptoms. You may experience a rapid or changing heartbeat, extreme chest pain, and breathlessness. The jaw may ache. It may be difficult to catch your breath and your left arm may hurt. It may even feel like heartburn, and in some cases it may just be heartburn. You also might faint or feel nauseous and vomit.
If you are in the midst of a stroke, blood clot symptoms are not likely to be missed. Symptoms can include confusion, extreme to mild headache, problems with balance, and an inability to move one side of the body. Speech may be impaired. A stroke usually affects one side of the body only, so you may note great difficulty moving the limbs on one side while the limbs on the other side still seem under control Additionally, there may be lack of awareness as to where you are and overall disorientation.
When a blood clot reaches the lungs, it may cause some symptoms similar to a heart attack. Blood clot symptoms when a clot reaches the lungs include difficulty breathing, chest pain, rapid breathing, and occasionally coughing up mucus or bloody. Fever may also be present.
Given the dangerous potential of blood clots, it’s wise to understand blood clot symptoms. It’s also a good idea to have periodic physical exams and to observe good diet and exercise patterns. Should you note any of these symptoms occur, you should get immediate medical attention. In most cases, people have a much higher survival rate and less risk of complications or permanent impairment when they can receive medical care promptly.