Blood clots can be dangerous, so an accurate diagnosis is vital to preventing future health problems. Since blood clots may have few or mild symptoms, any suspicious symptoms should be brought to the attention of a doctor just in case. Blood thinners can help prevent and treat blood clots and early diagnosis allows these drugs to be administered as quickly as possible.
Blood Clots
A blood clot occurs when platelets in the blood clump together and form a plug. In healthy individuals, a blood clot that forms at the site of a wound can seal the injured area, preventing infection and allowing the injury to heal. However, blood clots sometimes form inside blood vessels, which can block blood flow and cause health problems.
Types
According to Medline Plus, a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel or inside the heart itself and hampers the flow of blood past that point is called a thrombus. An embolism, on the other hand, is a blood clot that travels from its original site to elsewhere in the body to cause damage, such as traveling to the lungs where it is called a pulmonary embolism, or to the brain to cause a stroke.
Symptoms
Many people don't notice the symptoms of a blood clot until it travels to a vulnerable part of the body and causes an embolism. Others notice swelling, especially if the clot is in the leg. The skin may also be warm or reddish. Since visual symptoms may not be enough to diagnose a blood clot, additional tests are needed to definitively pinpoint the problem.
Risk Factors
Individuals who have one or more risk factors may undergo more scrutiny for potential blood clots, since a diagnosis is more likely in these people. Risk factors include being older than 60, having varicose veins or cancer, being pregnant or overweight, being on birth control pills or hormone therapy and sitting for long periods of time, such as at work or on an airplane.
Tests
If a doctor suspects a blood clot, he may perform an ultrasound to observe the blood flow of the area under suspicion. Another test performed to diagnose blood clots is venography. In venography, the doctor injects a dye into the blood vessel and observes the area using X-rays to determine whether a clot is present.
Dangers
If blood flow becomes blocked by a blood clot, the resultant lowered blood flow can cause tissue damage in organs and tissues dependent on that blood. In the case of an embolism, the blood clot can become lodged in the blood vessels supplying important organs such as the brain, heart, lungs or kidneys, causing acute organ failure and even death. Prompt diagnosis can prevent many of these problems.
