The 5 warning signs of a blood clot are shortness of breath, warmth, skin discoloration, pain or cramping and swelling.
The shortness of breath that can occur with a blood clot can be a sudden sign that the blood clot has traveled to your lungs.
And with a blood clot, the limb that is affected with the blood clot can feel warm to the touch.
Skin turning bluish or reddish is also another sign that you may have a blood clot.
And any soreness or tenderness that is persistent and often starts in your calf is also another sign of a blood clot that could be forming or has formed.
And swelling that often occurs in just one leg or arm is also another potential sign of a blood clot.
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms of a potential blood clot you should see your doctor or if it's an emergency and you have a lot of shortness of breath or trouble breathing you should go to the ER.
Blood clots are also known as deep vein thrombosis depending on where the blood clot forms.
Deep vein thrombosis that occurs in the arms or legs affects the surrounding tissue and can cause unilateral swelling, cramping or throbbing, red or discolored skin and warmth or heaviness.
Unilateral swelling with deep vein thrombosis results in swelling in just one leg or arm, instead of both.
Pain or tenderness that might feel like a pulled muscle, charley horse or persistent cramp and a noticeable red or purplish hue on the affected limb are also signs of deep vein thrombosis.
And the area over the blood clot may also feel hot to the touch or unusually heavy.
Blood clots in the lungs, which is more serious is also known as pulmonary embolism and can cause symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, coughing and dizziness or fainting.
Feeling lightheaded or passing out, having an unexplained cough that may be accompanied by blood and an unexplained increase in heart rate or palpitations and sharp or stabbing pain that often becomes worse when you take a deep breath as well as having difficulty in catching your breath, even at rest, which can come on suddenly are signs of a possible blood clot in the lungs also known as pulmonary embolism and is an emergency.
Other serious blood clots are blood clots in the heart and blood clots in the brain.
A blood clot in the brain also known as a stroke can result in symptoms like numbness and weakness in your face, arm or leg, vision changes, trouble speaking and headache.
Blood clots in the heart, which can lead to heart attacks can cause severe chest pain or heaviness as well as shortness of breath, left arm numbness, nausea or lightheadedness.
Blood clots are always considered medical emergencies and you should get to the ER or call 911 right away, especially if you experience signs of stroke, heart attack, having trouble breathing or experience signs of pulmonary embolism.