Blood Clots; Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
The blood that runs through your veins carries important nutrients to the various areas of your body, from the brain to the feet. It should ideally be a continuous flow that moves easily, but in some cases the blood can thicken and clot, putting the patient at risk for serious cardiovascular issues. Learn more about blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and how to minimize your risk for this health concern.
Causes and Symptoms of Blood Clots
It’s normal for the blood to clot at superficial sites where there is a cut or wound. It’s the body’s natural defense against losing too much blood when the skin is injured. But it is also possible for the blood to clot inside of the veins, which could present a more serious problem. Blood clots develop when platelets, proteins, cells, and plaque build-up in one area of a blood vessel. It is often caused by a build-up of cholesterol in the blood, which is related to diet and lack of exercise. Symptoms of a blood clot include unusual, sudden leg or arm swelling, as well as intense pain and cramps in the limbs.
DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
When it comes to blood clots, one of the most concerning types is called a Deep Vein Thrombosis. It’s a blood clot that can form in a major, large vein of the body (usually the legs, arms, or pelvis). If it isn’t treated, there’s a risk of the clot traveling to the lungs or heart, which could cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE).
Treatments for Blood Clots and DVT
Medications are the most common way to treat blood clots. Thrombolytic medication will help thin and dissolve clots while anticoagulants prevent them from developing in the first place. Medication can also be delivered through a catheter to quickly dissolve a clot. In some cases, your doctor may have to schedule you for a thrombectomy procedure, which is the surgical removal of a clot in a vein.
Schedule an Exam
The best-case scenario is to identify and diagnose a blood clot before it has a chance to cause more serious cardiovascular and venous issues. Contact Dr. Madaiah Revana and his team at the Northeast Houston Vein Center in Humble and Houston, TX by calling 281-446-4638 today.
Looking for Blood Clot treatment?
Call Northeast Houston Vein Center, serving Humble, TX, Kingwood, TX, and Atascocita, TX,
at 281-446-4638 to make an appointment!
