Clots Can Happen – Learn the Risks, Symptoms and Prevention
10/23/2025
Blood clots can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone. While clotting is a natural process that helps heal injuries, when clots form inside the body and don’t dissolve as they should, they can block blood flow with serious, even fatal, consequences. On average, one person in the U.S. dies from a clot-related illness every six seconds.
Juan Llompart, M.D., pulmonologist intensivist with DeTar Medical Group, stresses that everyone is at risk, regardless of age or gender. “Pregnancy, cancer treatment, major surgery, or prolonged hospitalization can increase your risk. Being overweight, having diabetes or high cholesterol, a family history of blood clots, smoking, or being over age 60 can also raise your chances,” he said.
“Clots can occur suddenly, and when blood flow stops, the impact can be significant—even fatal,” Dr. Llompart added. “Symptoms vary depending on where the clot forms—in the legs, arms, lungs, heart, or brain—but the need for prompt medical care is always the same. The sooner a clot is identified, the more treatment options are available to reduce serious complications.”
Several factors increase the risk of developing blood clots, including hospitalization or major surgery—particularly involving the pelvis, abdomen, hip, or knee—severe trauma like car accidents, cancer and its treatments, pregnancy (including the postpartum period), and hormone therapies such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy containing estrogen. Obesity, smoking or vaping, prolonged immobility from bed rest, wheelchair use, or long travel periods also contribute. Older adults, especially those over 55, and people with chronic diseases like heart, lung conditions, or diabetes face higher risks.
African American communities face particularly high vulnerability to venous blood clots, with up to 60% higher mortality rates compared to other populations. African American women also have increased risks of maternal mortality related to blood clots during pregnancy and the first three months postpartum.
Symptoms often include sudden swelling and pain in a limb, warmth, or redness. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot in a large vein such as the lower leg or arm, can cause swelling, tenderness, or skin changes. A pulmonary embolism (clot in the lungs) may cause chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, coughing blood, or sudden death.
A clot in the heart circulation may lead to a potentially fatal heart attack. A clot in the brain often leads to a devastating stroke.
“Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms,” Dr. Llompart urged. “A medical exam and diagnostic scans can confirm the cause, and treatments may be effective if started quickly.”
Dr. Llompart emphasizes prevention through managing risk factors: “Regular movement is one of your best defenses. Avoid sitting still for long periods, especially after surgery or travel. At your desk, flex your legs, feet, and toes, and stand or walk frequently. Compression stockings can help if you must remain seated for extended times. Before surgery, talk to your doctor about blood clot prevention. And if you have risk factors, ask if preventive medication is appropriate.”
He also recommends general heart-healthy habits, including eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and controlling chronic conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Taking a proactive approach to your heart and vascular health starts with a conversation. Talk to your primary care provider about your risks and symptoms. To find a primary care physician or schedule your annual check-up, visit mydetardoctor.com.
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