Learn Your Risk Factors to Prevent Life-threatening Blood Clots

9/8/2021

(BENTONVILLE, Ark.) – The pandemic has heightened attention to the dangers of blood clots including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and clot-provoked stroke. According to the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), blood clots kill 274 Americans each day when they restrict blood flow and cause a medical emergency. While different types of blood clotting are being reported among people affected by COVID-19, particularly those who become severely ill after infection with the virus, everyone is at risk for blood clots regardless of age, gender or race.

Obesity, smoking, hypertension and a personal or family history of blood clots increase your chances of developing clots. Women’s risk is increased by birth control pills, pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy. People at the highest risk include those with clotting disorders, atrial fibrillation (a-Fib), cancer, traumatic injury, lengthy immobility and surgery.

Three steps can help with prevention of blood clots – maintain a healthy weight, stay hydrated and move regularly. Drinking plenty of water and fluids helps keep your blood from thickening. Particularly when sitting for long periods such as on flights or car trips, get up and walk every 60 to 90 minutes and stretch your calf muscles frequently to keep the blood flowing in your legs.

Individuals with aFib should talk with their primary care physician about the benefits and risks of taking a blood thinner to reduce the risk of clots and stroke.

Dr. Anamika Tandon, internal medicine physician at Northwest Health Internal Medicine, says it’s important to talk with your doctor about your medical and family history.

“This will help us determine if you need additional medical help to minimize the chances of getting blood clots,” she said. “Any lifestyle changes you can do to reduce the risk of blood clots is worth your time because blood clots in the legs can quickly spread to lungs, compromising the lungs and putting excessive strain on the function of the heart, thereby creating a medical emergency.”

Know the symptoms so you can get help quickly, potentially saving your life or the life of a friend or family member. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documents symptoms for blood clots in the deep veins of your leg and thighs include:

• Increased leg swelling
• Skin that is warm to the touch, red or discolored
• Pain in a leg that feels like a pulled muscle but not caused by injury
• Tightness, cramping or soreness
• A throbbing sensation

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, alert your doctor as soon as possible.

“If we can catch a blood clot early, they’re treatable,” Dr. Tandon said. “If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms – contact your doctor right away.”

The most common signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot that is blocking blood flow in the lungs are:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or cough
• Coughing up blood
• A faster-than-normal or irregular heartbeat.

Seek medical treatment immediately when you experience any of these signs and symptoms.

If you need help finding a primary care provider, call (833) 757- 9355 (WELL) or visit NW-Physicians.com where you can schedule your appointment online with a Northwest Health provider.

About Northwest Physicians
Northwest Physicians, an affiliate of Northwest Health, includes a team of skilled and compassionate physicians, advanced practice providers and support staff from a variety of specialties dedicated to a common purpose — to provide patients with expert medical care that’s easy to access. With more than 30 locations throughout Northwest Arkansas, and online scheduling with many providers, it's easier than ever to connect with a Northwest physician. Extended hours and online check-in are both provided at the organization’s urgent care centers. For more information, visit NW-Physicians.com.

About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is the largest health system in Northwest Arkansas with five hospitals: Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville, Northwest Medical Center – Springdale, Northwest Medical Center – Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital and Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital. The system has 487 beds, a combined medical staff of more than 900 physicians and more than 2,400 employees working together to provide quality healthcare for the region. The system also includes Northwest Health Emergency Department Fayetteville, a 24/7 standalone emergency department with advanced technology.

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