Blood clots affect up to 900,000 Americans each year — and of that number, up to 100,000 lives are lost. Despite their prevalence, blood clots are frequently missed or diagnosed too late, in part because symptoms can be subtle, unexpected, or mistaken for other conditions. Increasing awareness helps people recognize warning signs sooner, ask the right questions, and take timely action — all of which can save lives.
Each March, the National Blood Clot Alliance observes Blood Clot Awareness Month to raise awareness about blood clots. Their theme this year is Strong Enough to Ask – A Campaign to Stop the Clot, which reframes strength as self-advocacy. The campaign focuses recognizing when something doesn’t feel right, trusting your instincts, and speaking up before a blood clot becomes life-threatening.
What is a blood clot?
A blood clot is a gel-like mass of blood that forms in a vein or artery. While clots play an important role in stopping bleeding after injury, they can also form when they aren’t needed. These abnormal clots can block blood flow and lead to serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Who can get a blood clot?
Blood clots can affect anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, gender, or activity level. However, certain health conditions, life events, and situations can increase risk. Knowing your personal risk factors can help you recognize symptoms sooner and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
Other risks, including a family history of blood clots, people 55 or older, injury or trauma, and estrogen-based contraception or hormone therapy. Long-term diseases, such as heart conditions or diabetes are also risk factors. You can take a risk assessment here.
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of a DVT include swelling, usually in one leg (or arm); pain or tenderness not caused by injury; reddish or bluish skin discoloration; and/or skin that is warm to the touch. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these DVT symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of a DVT include swelling, usually in one leg (or arm); pain or tenderness not caused by injury; reddish or bluish skin discoloration; and/or skin that is warm to the touch. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these DVT symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of a PE include shortness of breath; chest pain that’s sharp; faster than normal or irregular heartbeat; unexplained cough, sometimes with blood; and/or low blood pressure or lightheadedness. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience any of these PE symptoms.
Learn more about blood clots
To learn more about blood clots -- including how to spot and prevent them -- go to the StoptheClot website. If you have any questions about DVT, you're welcome to contact the Vein Healthcare Center.
To learn more about blood clots -- including how to spot and prevent them -- go to the StoptheClot website. If you have any questions about DVT, you're welcome to contact the Vein Healthcare Center.
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