Take Steps to Stop the Clot
9/10/2021
Learn your risk factors to prevent life-threatening blood clots.
VICTORIA, Texas – The pandemic has heightened attention to the dangers of blood clots including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and clot-provoked stroke. According to the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), blood clots kill 274 Americans each day when they restrict blood flow and cause a medical emergency. While different types of blood clotting are being reported among people affected by COVID-19, particularly those who become severely ill after infection with the virus, everyone is at risk for blood clots regardless of age, gender or race.
"The link between COVID-19 and blood clots was recognized early in the pandemic among hospitalized COVID-19 patients,” said Dr. Daniel Espinosa, family medicine physician with DeTar Medical Group. “These patients experienced blood clots both in deep veins and arteries, which sometimes led to strokes and heart attacks. It is important to seek medical treatment early in the disease course to avoid serious complications with COVID-19."
Obesity, smoking, hypertension and a personal or family history of blood clots increase your chances of developing clots. Women’s risk is increased by birth control pills, pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy. People at the highest risk include those with clotting disorders, atrial fibrillation (a-Fib), cancer, traumatic injury, lengthy immobility and surgery.
Three steps can help with prevention of blood clots – maintain a healthy weight, stay hydrated and move regularly. Drinking plenty of water and fluids helps keep your blood from thickening. Particularly when sitting for long periods such as on flights or car trips, get up and walk every 60 to 90 minutes and stretch your calf muscles frequently to keep the blood flowing in your legs.
Individuals with atrial fibrillation (aFib) should talk with their primary care physician about the benefits and risks of taking a blood thinner to reduce the risk of clots and stroke.
"At least 2.7 million Americans live with aFib, which is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications,” said Espinosa. “Having an established relationship with your primary care physician means having opportunities to discuss your current health and develop a plan to help reduce risk factors for blood clots and other diseases."
Know the symptoms so you can get help quickly, potentially saving your life or the life a friend or family member. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documents symptoms for blood clots in deep veins of your leg and thighs include increased leg swelling, skin that is warm to the touch, red or discolored, pain in a leg that feels like a pulled muscle but not caused by injury, tightness, cramping or soreness, or a throbbing sensation. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, alert your doctor as soon as possible.
The most common signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot that is blocking blood flow in the lungs are difficulty breathing, chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or cough, coughing up blood and a faster-than-normal or irregular heartbeat. Seek medical treatment immediately when you experience any of these signs and symptoms.
If you need help finding a primary care physician, call visit mydetardoctor.com to be connected with one of DeTar Medical Group’s qualified primary care physicians. Online scheduling, same-day appointments and telehealth visits are available.
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