Understanding
Blood Clots
Learn more about blood clots by delving into patient narratives, videos, informative sheets, and our dedicated app.
What is a blood clot?
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) – often referred to as a ‘blood clot’ or ‘thrombosis’ – is a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins. It can include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Blood clots are the body’s natural response to a cut or break and ensure wounds do not bleed excessively. Unfortunately, sometimes unwanted large blood clots form in the deep veins (most often the legs but they can form anywhere).
You can read more about blood clots, types of blood clots including deep vein thrombosis, (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and less common types of blood clots including cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), in the Patient Resources section, below, where you will also find information about diagnosis, treatment and recovery after a diagnosis of a blood clot.
Know the signs and symptoms
A blood clot can occur in anyone regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or health. Quite often a blood clot can occur with few or no obvious signs and symptoms, so if you have felt unwell and this is continuing without any obvious cause, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional and to ask, “Could this be a blood clot?”
What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A DVT is a clot which has formed in a deep vein, most usually in the leg.
Signs and symptoms of a DVT may include:
- Pain, most commonly in one leg, or tenderness
- Sometimes swelling in the affected limb
- Occasionally reddish/blue skin discolouration
- The area may be warm to touch
If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek medical advice and ask, could this be a blood clot?
What is a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
If some of the DVT clot breaks off, it travels through the veins to the heart and lungs where it can become lodged. This is a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Signs and symptoms of a PE may include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Unexplained breathlessness (for example when doing something you can usually do without becoming breathless)
- Chest pain that can be sharp or stabbing and may get worse with deep breaths
- A rapid heart rate
- Unexplained cough, sometimes with blood-streaked mucus
- Coughing up blood
- Sudden collapse
If you experience these signs or symptoms, you should seek urgent medical attention.
Helping to prevent blood clots
Certain changes in lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing a blood clot:
- Keep moving – avoid long periods of immobility such as sitting for many hours
- Get up and walk around at least every 90 minutes
- Keep well hydrated
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Take regular exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking
It is very important to tell any doctor/nurse or other clinician who may be managing your health, if you have had a blood clot or if you have a family history of blood clots in case medication is advised.
If you think you may be at risk of a blood clot, it is important to talk to your doctor / clinician.
What can increase the risk of having a blood clot?
Common risk factors for thrombosis are:
- Recent hospitalisation for illness or surgery (up to 90 days post discharge).
- Previous history of thrombosis.
- Recent major surgery, particularly of the pelvis, abdomen, hip, knee, (up to 90 days post discharge).
- Severe trauma, such as a car accident.
- Injury to a vein that may have been caused by a broken bone or severe muscle injury.
- Cancer and cancer treatments.
- Contraceptive pill for birth control in particular those that contain oestrogen, such as the pill, patch or ring.
- Pregnancy, (including the six weeks after the baby is born).
- Oral (tablet form) hormone therapy (HRT), which contains oral oestrogen.
- A family history of blood clots.
- Obesity.
- Long-term bed rest.
- Long periods of inactivity including sitting for long periods of time, especially with legs crossed.
Patient Information Resources
Booklets & Fact Sheets
Thrombosis UK patient informational booklets & fact sheets are medically approved, and are free to access and download. The information sheets are intended to share reliable information on all aspects of blood clot prevention, diagnosis, management and recovery.
Videos & Shared Accounts
The Thrombosis UK films, recorded webinars and personal interviews, along with individual shared accounts of being diagnosed with a blood clot and the recovery journey, are intended to provide support and reassurance that you are not alone on your blood clot journey.
Download our FREE app today!
The Thrombosis UK patient information app – ‘Let’s Talk Clots’ is packed with medically reviewed and approved information across a blood clot journey – from risk, signs and symptoms to diagnosis, recovery and regaining wellbeing.
Written in collaboration with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, patients, lay supporters and healthcare professionals. The app includes resources, opportunity to join free, online meetings and an online chat room.
The Patients Association
The Patients Association is an independent patient charity campaigning for improvements in health and social care for patients.
When things get challenging or difficult, it can be hard to know where to turn. The right information about care and treatment can sometimes be confusing or hard to find.
When patients and their families need help, the Patient Association aims to ensure they get it by providing information and guidance so that everybody can access and benefit from the health and care they need to live well.
