Blood clots can form in, or travel to, the blood vessels in the limbs, lungs, brain, heart, and kidneys. The types of problems blood clots can cause will depend on where they are:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. It can block a vein and cause damage to your leg. A pulmonary embolism can happen when a DVT breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. It can damage your lungs and prevent your other organs from getting enough oxygen. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare blood clot in the venous sinuses in your brain. Normally, the venous sinuses drain blood from your brain. CVST blocks the blood from draining and can cause a hemorrhagic stroke. Blood clots in other parts of the body can cause problems such as an ischemic stroke, a heart attack, kidney problems, kidney failure, and pregnancy-related problems  

Problems with blood clots? 

Certain factors can raise the risk of blood clots:

Atherosclerosis. Atrial fibrillation. Cancer and cancer treatments. Certain genetic disorders. Certain surgeries. COVID-19. Diabetes. Family history of blood clots. Overweight and obesity. Pregnancy and giving birth. Serious injuries. Some medicines, including birth control pills. Smoking. Staying in one position for a long time, such as being in the hospital or taking a long car or plane ride. 

What are the symptoms of blood clots?

The symptoms for blood clots can be different, depending on where the blood clot is:

In the abdomen: Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In an arm or leg: Sudden or gradual pain, swelling, tenderness, and warmth. In the lungs: Shortness of breath, pain with deep breathing, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate. In the brain: Trouble speaking, vision problems, seizures, weakness on one side of the body, and sudden severe headache. In the heart. Chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, and pain in the left arm  

How are blood clots diagnosed? 

Your healthcare provider may use many tools to diagnose blood clots:

A physical exam. A medical history. Blood tests, including a D-dimer test. Imaging tests, such as. Ultrasound. X-rays of the veins (venography) or blood vessels (angiography) are taken after you get an injection of a special dye. The dye shows up on the x-ray and allows the provider to see how the blood flows. CT Scan  

What are the treatments for blood clots? 

Treatments for blood clots depend on where the blood clot is located and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

Blood thinners. Other medicines, including thrombolytics. Thrombolytics are medicines that dissolve blood clots. They are usually used where the blood clots are severe. Surgery and other procedures to remove the blood clots 

Can blood clots be prevented?  

You may be able to help prevent blood clots by:

Moving around as soon as possible after having been confined to your bed, such as after surgery, illness, or injury. Getting up and moving around every few hours when you have to sit for long periods, for example, if you are on a long flight or car trip. Regular physical activity. Not smoking. Staying at a healthy weight

Some people at high risk may need to take blood thinners to prevent blood clots.