Clots Can Happen – Learn the Risks, Symptoms and Prevention
12/23/2025
Clotting of our blood supports recovery from injury, but when blood clots are in the body and don’t break up or dissolve as they should, they can block the flow of blood with serious consequences. On average, one person in the U.S. dies from a clot-caused death every six seconds.
Dr. Kristopher Crawford, medical director for MountainView Regional Medical Center’s emergency department, says everyone is at risk for clots, regardless of age or gender. Pregnancy, treatment for cancer, having a major surgery, or hospitalization for several days in a row can increase the risk. Being overweight, having diabetes or high cholesterol, a family history of blood clots, smoking or being over the age of 60 can also elevate your risk.
“Clots can occur suddenly and when the flow of blood stops, the impact can be significant, even fatal,” says Dr. Crawford. “Symptoms vary depending on where the clot happens – in the legs, arms, lungs, heart or brain – but the need for timely medical care is consistent. There are more treatment options to mitigate the impact the sooner the blockage is identified.”
Pain is often experienced where the clot is located, whether in the arm, lower leg, or even the stomach. If one limb is suddenly more swollen than the other, this could also be a symptom.
With deep vein thrombosis, when a clot is in a large vein such as the lower leg or an arm, the concern is the clot might move into the lungs. You might experience sudden swelling in your leg or arm, pain or tenderness not caused by an injury, or the skin may be warm to the touch or red with swelling or pain.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot is in the lungs. The symptoms could be a fast pulse, chest pain that worsens with a deep breath, bloody cough, shortness of breath, or a faster than normal or irregular heartbeat. Sometimes, the first symptom is death without warning.
Get medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. A medical exam can help determine what is causing your symptoms and the provider may recommend a diagnostic scan. Treatment with drugs to break up and dissolve some kinds of clots may be possible if they can be given within a few hours of when symptoms start.
“Your best bet in preventing clots is knowing and managing your risks,” says Dr. Crawford. “There are a number of actions you can take to support your health.”
Dr. Crawford says regular movement is one of your best acts of prevention. Make it a point not to sit or stay still too long, especially after a long flight, travel or surgery. When at your desk, flex your legs, feet and toes and get up to move frequently. If you must sit for an extended time, consider wearing compression socks or clothes. Before surgery, talk with your doctor about blood clots. And if you have any risk factors, talk to your doctor about whether you need to be on preventive medication.
Basic actions for health and wellness also apply, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight. Manage your stress which can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors, and be sure you are controlling chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Make that appointment for your annual check-up – online scheduling is available to make it convenient. Visit MountainViewDocs.com.
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