9 causes and 6 warning signs you have a dangerous blood clot

6 warning signs you have a dangerous blood clot. Illustration photo/Internet source

When you get injured, your blood needs to clot to stop bleeding. However, sometimes they can form when they're not needed; this isn't good for your body, especially when they occur in deep veins near your muscles...

When blood vessels are blocked, the corresponding tissue areas will be in a dangerous state because they are not supplied with oxygen and nutrients, starting many health problems.

9 common causes of blood clots

Sitting for long periods of time:Sitting for long periods of time, whether it be while flying, driving, watching TV, or sitting in front of a computer for hours at work or at home, can contribute to blood clots. Experts say it is important to stand up and move around every 30-45 minutes of sitting. Using the leg muscles helps improve venous blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots.

Sitting in front of a computer for hours at work or at home contributes to blood clots. Illustration photo/Internet source

Pregnant:During pregnancy, the amount of estrogen in the body increases more than normal, increasing the amount of clotting factors, and increasing the ability to form blood clots.

Pregnancy also increases the pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs, which also increases the risk. The risk of blood clots can last up to 6 weeks after giving birth. So you need to be active, such as walking, yoga, both during and after pregnancy.

Weight and height:Obesity is a major risk factor for developing blood clots in the veins of the lower extremities. You should keep your BMI (weight divided by height) between 18.5 and 24.9.

Irregular heartbeat:You may or may not be aware of whether your heart rhythm is regular or irregular, although in many cases an irregular heartbeat causes no symptoms and often goes undetected, but it increases your risk of developing blood clots.

If you take your pulse and find it is irregular, you need to have it checked for arrhythmias and treated if necessary.

Contraceptives:Estrogen and progestin in some oral contraceptives also increase clotting factors. In addition, oral contraceptives have many other side effects.

6. Cancer:Some cancers also increase the levels of substances that cause blood clots, increasing the risk of blood clots. Cancers of the brain, pancreas, lung, colon, ovary, stomach, and kidney are the cancers with the highest risk of causing deep vein thrombosis. Some chemotherapy and cancer drugs also increase the risk of blood clots.

7. Smoking:Certain substances in tobacco damage blood vessel walls, thereby increasing the likelihood of blood clots forming.

8. Leg injuries:Any leg injury can cause a blood clot to form in the deep veins of the lower extremities, by damaging the vein wall.

9. Age:Although deep vein thrombosis can occur at any age, the risk generally increases with age, especially for people over 60. Although aging is a natural process, proper diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent many diseases.

6 warning signs you have a dangerous blood clot

Swelling of one limb:A swollen leg or arm is one of the most common signs of a blood clot. A blood clot can block the flow of blood in your leg and blood flows behind the clot, causing swelling.

A swollen leg or arm is one of the common signs of a blood clot. Illustration photo/Internet source

Pain in legs or arms:Pain caused by a blood clot is often accompanied by other signs such as swelling and redness; however, sometimes these symptoms alone are enough. Pain caused by a blood clot can be easily mistaken for a cramp or muscle strain.It hurts more when you walk or lift your leg.

Red spots appear on the skin:You may see a change in color like a bruise, but it is usually a red streak. Venous thrombosis causes redness in the affected leg or arm, and you may feel warmth to the touch.

Chest pain:Chest pain may be a sign of a heart attack, but it could also be a sign of a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs). However, the pain from a pulmonary embolism tends to be more intense, especially when you take a deep breath. In either case, you should call 911 immediately.

Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat:A blood clot in your lungs can slow down your oxygen flow. When your oxygen levels are low, your heart beats faster to compensate. Feeling fluttering in your chest and having trouble breathing deeply can be warning signs that you may have a pulmonary embolism.

Cough of unknown cause:If you can't stop coughing, and you have difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or chest pain, it could be a sign of a pulmonary embolism. You'll usually have a dry cough, but some people may cough up mucus or blood.