Risk factors for blood clots

  Risk factors for blood clots from the National Blood Clot Alliance (www.natt.org) are as follows:

High Risk

  Hospitalization, major surgery such as abddominal/pelvic surgery, knee or hip replacement, major trauma such as an auto accident or fall, nursing home living, leg paralysis.

Moderate risk

  Older than age 65; trips by plane, car, train, bus, over four hours; active cancer/chemotherapy;  bone fracture or cast; birth control pills, patch,ring; hormone replacement therapy; pregnancy or recently gave birth; prior blood clot or family history of clot; heart failure; bed rest over three days; obesity; genetic/hereditary or acquired blood clotting disorder.

Signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT, blood clot in leg)

  Swelling, usually in one leg; leg pain or tenderness; reddish or bluish skin discoloration; leg warm to touch.

  The symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a ”’Charlie horse,” but may also differ in that the leg may be swollen, slightly discolored and warm. Contact yor doctor if you have these symptoms, because you may need treatment right away.

Signs and symptoms of pulmonary empobism (PE, blood clot that travels to your lungs)

  Sudden shortness of breath; chest pain – sharp stabbing, may get worse with deep breath; rapid heart rate; unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus.

  Go to an emergency department immediately to be diagnosed and treated.

  Reference: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2008.