Knowing the signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) is critical for early detection.
Signs and symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, tenderness, and redness of the skin in the affected area of the body.
PEs can occur without any signs of a DVT and they can be deadly.
Signs and symptoms of a PE include difficulty breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and coughing up blood.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience symptoms of a DVT or PE.
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Prevention Tips
Move around as soon as possible after having been confined to a bed, such as after surgery, illness, or injury.
If you are at risk for blood clots, talk with your doctor about specific ways you can prevent them from occurring. Compression devices (like compression stockings) and medication (anticoagulants) are two ways to prevent DVT.
When sitting for long periods of time, such as when traveling for more than four hours, get up and walk around every 2 to 3 hours, exercise your legs while you are sitting, and wear loose-fitting clothes.
You can reduce your risk for blood clots by maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. In other words, exercise improves blood flow, so don’t be a couch potato.
It’s especially important to know your risk for blood clots and follow your doctor’s recommendations based on your individual risk factors.
