ALL ABOUT BLOOD CLOTS: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND TREATMENTS

COVID-19 has made people more aware of the dangers of blood clots, which can be fatal if not treated. We take a look at what they are, who’s at risk, treatment and prevention.

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Clots are made up of platelets, which are types of red blood cells, and a string-like substance called fibrin. Normal clotting happens at the site of a wound or injury to a blood vessel. If you cut your finger, your brain signals that your blood needs to clot and become thicker, to prevent too much bleeding.

WHO IS AT RISK?
Being older than 65, trauma, surgical operations and long hospital stays all pose a significantly greater risk of one developing blood clots. Other factors that might increase your risk are:

• Inactive lifestyle
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Using birth-control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Having cancer or having been treated for cancer
• Being pregnant
• Having a family history of blood clots
• Having Covid-19

Related article: How to quit smoking

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
The main aim of treatment is to prevent the blood clot from getting bigger or moving. So in the case of a blood clot that is life-threatening, hospitalisation and immobilisation (strict bed rest) is essential. A drip with clot-dissolving medication will be set up, and regular blood tests (and scans if necessary) will be done to monitor whether the clot is getting smaller.

Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the clot or to deliver clot-dissolving medication to the clot site. Those who have had a pulmonary embolism are usually given anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication to prevent it happening again. Aspirin is a blood-thinner often used to prevent clots. Compression stockings are also sometimes used to reduce swelling and prevent clots from forming or moving.



6 WAYS TO PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS
The Cleveland Clinic in the USA gives the following advice for reducing your risk of developing blood clots:

1. Enjoy regular physical activity.
2. Do not smoke.
3. Eat a healthy diet (lots of fruit and veg) and drink enough water every day.
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
5. Control medical problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Take prescribed medication correctly.
6. Keep up to date with cancer screening, especially if it runs in your family.

DID YOU KNOW?
The risk of getting blood clots caused by Covid-19 infection is eight to 10 times greater than the risk associated with having a Covid vaccination, according to a USA study reported in the journal Stroke.

WHEN IS A BLOOD CLOT DANGEROUS?
The position of a blood clot and its movement are two factors that affect how dangerous it is. A clot that forms in a large vein is known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a DVT moves and gets stuck in the lungs, it’s called a pulmonary embolism. This is very dangerous as it cuts off essential blood supply. Clots in arteries can cause heart attacks, and if they reach the brain can cause a stroke.

Symptoms to watch out for:

• Pain in the leg or arm, accompanied by swelling, warmth and redness could be symptoms of a DVT.
• Shortness of breath, pain in the chest and sometimes coughing up blood are signs of a pulmonary embolism.
• Changes in sight or speaking, or numbness of one side of the body, could be symptoms of a clot causing a stroke. If you think you have a blood clot, go to the emergency room at your nearest health facility or call an ambulance.

Related article: Donate blood and save lives


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