Blood clots are clumps of blood that form when blood changes from a liquid to a semi-solid state. This is normal in small cuts, but it becomes dangerous when clots form inside blood vessels without injury.
🩸 What is a blood clot?
Thrombosis
- A blockage formed by thickened blood
- Can block normal blood flow in veins or arteries
- Can be harmless or life-threatening depending on location
📍 Common types
🦵 Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Clot in deep veins, usually in the leg
- Can cause pain, swelling, warmth
🫁 Pulmonary embolism (PE)
- When a clot travels to the lungs
- Can be life-threatening
🧠 Stroke-related clot
- Blocks blood flow in the brain
- Causes sudden neurological symptoms
⚠️ Warning signs
In the leg (DVT):
- Swelling in one leg
- Pain or tenderness
- Warmth or redness
In the lungs (PE):
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain (worse when breathing)
- Rapid heartbeat
In the brain (stroke):
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty (FAST signs)
🧬 Risk factors
- Long periods of sitting (travel, bed rest)
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Surgery or injury
- Certain medications
- Age and genetics
🛡️ Prevention
- Stay physically active
- Avoid long immobility
- Drink enough water
- Manage weight and blood pressure
- Follow doctor-prescribed blood thinners if needed
