Blood clots, specifically DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and PE (pulmonary embolism) affect as many as 900,000 people per year in the United States alone. Approximately, 100,000 will annually lose their lives to blood clots. Due to the life-threatening nature of DVT, you should learn to recognize its signs so you can seek medical treatment immediately at a trusted medical facility, such as DeSoto Memorial Hospital. If you expect that you or a loved one is experiencing blood clots, you should seek emergency care. Following are four symptoms and traits you should watch out for. 

Pain and Swelling

In DVT, a blood clot gets embedded deep within the veins of the legs, thighs, pelvis, or arms, blocking the blood flow through the vein and to surrounding tissues. This causes extreme pain and swelling in the affected area. The pain also tends to get worse with movement. The pain associated with DVT has been described as a deep, persistent cramp that throbs. 

Warmth and Tenderness

The skin in the affected area may feel tender and warm to the touch. It may also appear red or discolored. These symptoms are caused by a condition called thrombophlebitis, or inflammation of the veins. If your blood supply is severely cut off, you may notice that your skin below the affected area feels cool to the touch and has a dark or bluish tinge. If your blood supply is affected, you have no time to lose. Get to the hospital immediately. 

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to develop DVT than others. Risk factors include obesity, smoking, dehydration, pregnancy, surgery, immobility, diabetes, major muscle trauma, and cancer. If you start to experience symptoms after an injury or surgical procedure, you should be especially cautious, because the likelihood that you are dealing with a blood clot is substantially higher. The same is true after you've taken a long flight or had a bone set after a bad break. 

Previous Blood Clot

If you've had a previous blood clot or a clotting disease or disorder, you're at greater risk for developing a subsequent blood clot. Once you've had a blood clot or after a disorder is uncovered, you may be placed on medicine to prevent future clots, but there's always a chance that you will still develop one. 

If your family has a history of DVT or if you are otherwise at risk for DVT, you don't have to wait until you experience symptoms to seek medical care. Routine vascular screenings and blood draws can help you stay ahead of the game by detecting blood clots early.