13 common early warning signs of blood clots

13 common early warning signs of blood clots

Blood clots help stop bleeding and facilitate the repair of injured blood vessels. They usually dissolve once the healing process is complete. But sometimes, clots persist or form without visible injuries, potentially leading to health complications. Every year, almost 900,000 people are affected by this problem. Below are a few common early warning signs that can help people detect an abnormal blood clot and seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Early warning signs of blood clots
An intricate network of blood vessels extends throughout the human body, so clots can develop in various locations. The following early warning signs should prompt one to seek immediate expert attention:

Swelling
A blood clot may affect either veins or arteries. Both types of blood vessels are tasked with supplying blood and oxygen to and from the heart. If a clot appears abnormally in a vein, it can restrict blood flow to one’s heart and cause inflammation. The condition often causes localized swelling in an arm or leg.

Pain and tenderness
The area around the blood clot may become painful, tender, or sore. The discomfort can range from a dull ache to intense pain or leg cramps.

Redness and warmth
The skin over the clot may appear reddish or feel warm to the touch because of increased blood flow to the region. Pain, inflammation, and redness are more common in Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot that affects a deep vein (typically in the leg).

Skin discoloration
One may see bluish or reddish skin discoloration. A change in skin color can indicate poor circulation and clot formation.

Unexplained shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can result from pulmonary embolism (PE), a condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs and obstructs blood flow, making breathing hard. If someone experiences sudden shortness of breath, they must seek immediate expert attention.

Chest pain
Although not persistent, chest pain can be a symptom of PE. This pain is often sharp and worsens when one attempts to take deep breaths or coughs.

Rapid heartbeat
Blood clots can lead to an elevated heart rate. If a person’s heart races without a clear reason, they must consider it a potential warning sign and see a doctor.

Coughing up blood
Individuals with blood clots in the lungs may experience a persistent cough, often accompanied by blood in the mucus. This symptom should not be ignored, as it may potentially become life-threatening. Bloody cough is a symptom more commonly seen in PE.

Weakness or numbness
Clots can disrupt blood flow to the affected area, causing weakness or numbness in the limb. One must always address a sudden loss of strength or sensation that can’t be attributed to other causes.

Low blood pressure and dizziness
As a blood clot lodges itself in the pulmonary arteries, it obstructs the normal flow of blood to the lungs. This interference can result in a drop in blood pressure. When blood pressure falls significantly, individuals may experience lightheadedness or even faint, depending on the clot’s severity and the extent of the blood flow blockage.

Stomach issues
Some people with blood clots in the stomach region may experience gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting, a bloated feeling, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. These symptoms can result from reduced blood flow to the digestive organs. While stomach issues are common in many health conditions, they should not be disregarded, especially if they are sudden, severe, and unexplained.

Bloody urine or stool
Bloody urine or stool may point toward a blood clot in the stomach or kidneys. Kidney blood clots can affect the kidneys’ ability to filter and flush out toxins. They can also lead to other problems like fever, vomiting, or inexplicable leg pain.

Vision and speech problems
Blood clots can sometimes develop in the brain due to an accumulation of fatty deposits in the walls of the blood vessels around the organ. Injuries or concussions could also be contributing factors. When a blood clot affects the brain, it can result in various severe symptoms, including speech difficulties and seizures.

If a person develops any of these symptoms or notices them in someone else, they should not hesitate to seek expert attention. While the signs may not always indicate a blood clot, it is better to get checked since early detection can make a huge difference in recovery.

What causes blood clots?
Blood clots can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase a person’s risk. Here are some of these factors:

Injury or surgery
Nearly 50% of clots develop when people are in the hospital or recovering from surgery. Some treatments and therapies can also raise the risk. Additionally, injury or trauma can be a trigger for clot formation.

Prolonged immobility
Long periods of inactivity (like sitting for several hours during long journeys or being bedridden) can slow blood flow, increasing the likelihood of clots. Staying hydrated and doing simple leg exercises can help reduce this risk.

Age
As people grow older, the risk of blood clots tends to increase, partly because of age-related changes in blood vessels and the coagulation system.

Family history
A family history of Venous thromboembolism (VTE), wherein blood clots tend to form in the deeper veins of the body, can also put one at risk.

Existing health conditions
Certain health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and inflammatory disorders, can make the blood more prone to clotting. Conditions like varicose veins and atrial fibrillation can also disrupt normal blood flow and increase the risk of clot formation.

Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth need to be cautious. Pregnancy can change the body’s chemistry, and higher estrogen levels can increase the risk of blood clots. Also, the pressure from the growing uterus can slow blood flow, especially in the legs.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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Note these warning signs of a seizure

Seizures occur when there is a malfunction in the communication process between the nerve cells in the brain. This interruption can have effects like loss of consciousness or impaired movements of the muscles in the body. While there are different types of seizures, if one has frequent episodes without any known cause, it is diagnosed as epilepsy. One can learn to recognize certain warning signs of seizures to help manage the condition. Stages of seizure There are four different stages of seizure in epilepsy attacks, and understanding each stage will help in better management of the condition. Prodrome stage This is the stage which is a warning sign before the seizure occurs. These symptoms often go unnoticed because they are very mild and can be difficult to recognize if one is not paying attention. Some of the common symptoms of this stage include confusion, irritability, anxiety, a “funny feeling,” headache, difficulty staying focused, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and even behavioral changes. These signs can present themselves days or even hours before the seizures are about to occur. Aura This is the next stage of the warning sign, which is considered to be the early part of the seizure. There are cases where the aura stage itself is a seizure of sorts; it is also called a simple focal or partial seizure. When someone experiences simple focal seizures, this happens because the impairment is occurring in one part of the brain. When this malfunction spreads to other parts, it transforms into other types of seizures like generalized tonic-clonic seizures or GTC seizures. Most of the people who experience simple focal seizures do not lose consciousness. Here are some of the symptoms to observe: Experiencing intense anxiety or fear Feeling numb or tingly Confusion A feeling of deja vu Experiencing hallucinations in the form of smells, sounds, and even visions Feeling “butterflies” in the stomach and nausea Twitching of the muscles or jerking movements on one side of the body Change in blood pressure and heart rate Loss of bladder or bowel control There are some people who experience the symptoms of aura, and the condition subsides without leading to a prolonged or severe seizure. Some people skip the aura warning signs and have seizures with no warning signs, so it is always best to be prepared. Middle (Ictal) phase The prodrome and aura were the two phases of warning signs of a seizure. After the aura stage, or from the first warning sign of the seizure till the end of the seizure, is the ictal phase. Here’s what to expect from this stage of the condition: Body convulsions Memory lapse Difficulty in hearing Loss of awareness or consciousness Loss of muscle control Twitching Racing heart Trouble breathing Repeated movements like lip smacking or chewing Odd smells, sounds, and tastes Feeling confused Difficulty in speaking or ending up saying strange words Tips to stay safe Once one recognizes the warning signs of a seizure, it is important to stay safe. Here are some safety tips to follow: If anyone is cooking near an open flame, immediately stop and move away to a safer area. Anyone who is driving should stop immediately and ask someone to stay with them. They are advised to lie down or sit down. Avoid climbing stairs or heights. If there are children in the house, prepare them for the seizure and also be sure that there is someone in the house to care for them during the seizure. Avoid swimming or any water activities that may lead to an accident. If anyone experiences confusion during or after a seizure, they tend to wander off. One must ask someone to check up on them and also lock the doors of the home. These may seem like small, everyday things, but they are extremely important in the management of seizures and in helping one recover in a safe manner without any mishaps or accidents. It is important to alert the children to prevent fear or any negative impact on their mental health. The final stage This is the stage after the seizure. It is when the individual is still recovering from the after-effects. There are some physical after-effects that gradually slow down and go away. Depending on the severity of the seizure and which part of the brain was affected, the seizure will pass accordingly. Some of the symptoms to look out for include: Fear and anxiety Loss of bladder control or bowel movement Weakness in parts of the body Extreme thirst Experiencing sore muscles Feeling confused Exhaustion and feeling fatigued Lack of consciousness Feeling frustrated Experiencing a headache Feeling nauseated There may be injuries to the head, cuts, or broken bones, depending on the extent of the seizure. It is possible that some people may not even remember having a seizure after it passes. Some may remember only part of it, and some may remember the whole episode. Management tips One should also keep some safety measures in mind during a seizure, such as the tips given below: Keep a diary with a record of when the seizure was experienced, how long it lasted, and also what the person doing when the seizure started. Share this information on timing and warning signs with the doctor so they can advise on how to be careful the next time. Follow the course of treatment as advised by the doctor. When one has a seizure, the caregiver should make sure of these things: Do not put anything in their mouth. Check to see if the person is breathing properly and normally. Stay with the person during the seizure. Roll the person on their side to help any saliva or vomit drain from their mouth during the seizure. Record the start time of the seizure and also note its duration. Always follow a safety protocol set by the doctor to help manage this condition and ask for help whenever needed.

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