Medical professionals have raised alarms about the significant health risks posed by blood clots, a condition that affects thousands and can lead to life-threatening complications. During a recent appearance on BBC’s Morning Live, Dr. Punam Krishan provided crucial insights into the symptoms and prevention of blood clots, emphasizing the importance of immediate medical attention.
The urgency surrounding this issue has been amplified by the recent death of actress Catherine O’Hara, who reportedly died from a pulmonary embolism— a blood clot that obstructed blood flow to her lungs. Medical examiners indicated that this fatal condition was a complication related to her cancer treatment, underscoring the serious nature of blood clots. Each year, approximately 60,000 individuals in the UK alone require treatment for blood clots, with the potential for early detection to drastically improve outcomes.
Understanding Blood Clots and Their Risks
Dr. Krishan explained that while blood clotting is a natural bodily function designed to stop bleeding, complications arise when clots form inappropriately. “When we hear the word ‘blood clot’, it sends a fright, and not all clotting is bad. Our bodies are naturally designed to clot,” she stated. The most common site for problematic clots is the deep veins in the legs, affecting usually one leg at a time.
The most serious complication, requiring urgent medical intervention, occurs when a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism, which Dr. Krishan described as “potentially life-threatening.” Blood clots can affect individuals of all ages, but certain demographics are at a heightened risk, including those who are:
– Over 60 years old
– Overweight
– Regular smokers
– Taking the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
– Undergoing cancer treatment
– Having a family history of heart failure, varicose veins, or previous blood clots
Temporary risk factors also exist. Dr. Krishan noted that women who have recently given birth are at increased risk for several weeks postpartum. Additionally, long journeys lasting over three hours—whether by train, plane, or car—can lead to blood clot formation due to restricted mobility. Hospital stays, recovery from surgical procedures, and prolonged bed rest also contribute to an increased likelihood of developing clots.
Preventative Measures and Symptoms
The NHS offers several guidelines to minimize the risk of blood clots and to recognize symptoms that necessitate urgent care. Key recommendations include maintaining regular movement, walking frequently, staying well-hydrated, avoiding prolonged sitting, and quitting smoking.
Individuals experiencing leg pain, swelling, chest discomfort, or breathing difficulties should seek immediate medical assistance by calling 999 or going to the nearest Accident & Emergency department. The NHS emphasizes that while a blood clot itself may not be life-threatening, it can travel and block blood supply to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal.
Common symptoms include:
– Chest pain
– Breathlessness
– Sweating and feeling unwell
– Occasional collapse
– Coughing up blood
Symptoms can vary based on the location of the clot, but generally involve pain, swelling, tenderness, warmth, and discoloration in the affected area. In cases of pulmonary embolism, warning signs may manifest as sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain, and a rapid heartbeat.
The NHS advises individuals to act quickly if they develop these symptoms. Common medications prescribed, such as apixaban or rivaroxaban, work by thinning the blood to prevent further clot formation.
In summary, increased awareness of blood clot symptoms and risk factors is vital. With prompt treatment and adherence to preventative measures, many lives can be saved.
