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Receiving Emergency Care for a Blood Clot
Blood clots can be a severe and life-threatening condition if left unresolved. While you cannot completely prevent a blood clot from occurring, it's essential to know how to reduce your risks — especially if you're at a higher risk.
Learn more about reducing your risks of developing a blood clot and how our team at Advance ER can help if you are faced with a medical emergency.
Why are Blood Clots Dangerous?
Also known as a thrombus, a blood clot is a clump of blood that has changed from a liquid to a gel-like or semisolid state. Though clotting is necessary to prevent you from losing too much blood in certain instances, a clot inside one of your veins won't always dissolve on its own.
Additionally, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition when a blood clot forms inside a deep vein, typically located on the lower leg or thigh. This condition can happen to any patient at any age and can lead to other severe illnesses, such as pulmonary embolism (sudden blockage in a lung artery) if left untreated.
Blood Clot Risks
The first step in reducing your risks of a medical emergency is knowing the signs of a blood clot. A blood clot can form in the following areas of your body, in an artery or vein with or without trauma:
- Abdomen.
- Arms.
- Legs.
- Brain.
- Heart.
- Lungs.
- Stomach.
- Kidneys.
Your risks of forming blood clots typically increase if you:
- Are age 65 or older.
- Have recently had surgery.
- Have previously had cancer or are undergoing cancer treatments.
- Have broken a bone (especially leg, hip, or pelvis).
- Are overweight.
- Live a sedentary lifestyle or are confined to a bed.
- Have had a stroke.
- Have varicose veins.
- Have a heart condition.
- Have previously had blood clots.
- Have a family history of blood clots.
- Have taken a long trip in a car, airplane, bus, or train.
Emergency Blood Clot Symptoms
Knowing these warning signs can help you receive the life-saving medical care you need as soon as possible. If you experience these signs, dial 911 and visit Advance ER as soon as possible:
- Severe pain in your chest and arm.
- Severe leg swelling.
- Sweating.
- Trouble breathing.
- Dizziness and/or problems with your vision or speech.
- Seizures.
- A general feeling of weakness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Severe pain in your stomach.
- Bloody stools or urine.
How to Reduce Your Risks of Blood Clots
As mentioned, you cannot completely prevent a blood clot from occurring — but proper vein treatment combined with the following lifestyle changes can help reduce your risks:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and compression stockings.
- Exercise by elevating your legs 6 inches above your heart.
- Change your position often to avoid remaining sedentary.
- Remember to stand every hour.
- Take breaks from standing if your job consistently requires being on your feet.
- Reduce your sodium intake.
- Do not sit with crossed legs.
Emergency Medical Treatment in Galleria and Park Cities
If you do sustain any injury or illness and believe you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 and do not hesitate to visit our emergency center for treatment.
Call Advance ER Advance ER today at (214) 494-8222 for more information about our available resources.
