Vascular Surgeon | 3 Ways To Tell If You Have A Blood Clot In Your Veins
Posted on: 27 September 2016
Blood clots generally occur around wounds or cuts. But when they appear inside veins, the condition is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These blood clots are not harmful when they are immobile, but they can be dangerous if they move towards your lungs and heart. If you have a blood clot, it's probably best to see a vascular surgeon immediately. But here are some ways to tell if you have a blood clot in your veins in the first place.
You Feel Some Swelling Or Tenderness In Your Legs
Swelling or tenderness in your leg is often a sign of blood clots or DVT. See a vascular surgeon immediately because blood clots travelling up to your heart or lungs will result in a condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). This can cause breathlessness, chest pain or even death. In fact, nearly 400 people die every year in Australia from PE, so you shouldn't take this problem lightly if you notice signs of tenderness or swelling.
Your Leg Starts To Take On A Blue Or Purple Colour
If you notice blue-purple discolouration, you should know that it is probably a blood clot. This purple or blue discolouration typically happens to people who have suffered from fractures because of accidents or falls. It can also occur if you are just getting out of a major surgery. A vascular surgeon may recommend an ultrasound to determine the severity of the problem. An ultrasound utilises soundwaves to capture blood flow through your veins. Your doctor will prescribe blood thinners if the problem isn't too serious. Alternatively, your vascular surgeon may recommend inserting a cone-shaped filter into the large vena cava vein. This is designed to hold on to blood clots before they move to your lungs or heart, causing PE.
Your Medication Causes Blood To Clot
Some medicines like birth control pills and hormone treatments can cause blood to clot in areas over time. These blood clots forming in your veins will eventually move towards your heart and lungs if left untreated. Research indicates that while birth control pills don't directly trigger blood clots, they can possibly push up your chances of developing them by 3 to 4 times. If you think your medication is causing issues like shortness of breath or blood while coughing, head to a vascular surgeon immediately to discuss the issue. Your doctor will likely prescribe an ultra sound and some blood tests to establish thickness levels before diagnosing the problem.
If you notice any of these issues, consider visiting your vascular surgeon immediately to prevent serious problems later.
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