Complete Care for Blood Clots in Arizona

Blood clots are masses of blood cells and clotting factors. While essential for stopping bleeding from wounds, clots that form inside blood vessels can be dangerous. These clots can grow, break free, and block blood flow to vital organs and tissues. This can lead to serious health problems like stroke and heart attack, requiring immediate medical attention.

At Dignity Health in Arizona, our skilled doctors provide comprehensive care for blood clots. If you suspect you have a blood clot call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

Symptoms of Blood Clots

Signs and symptoms of blood clots vary depending on what body part they affect.

  • Heart blood clots cause heart attack symptoms, including chest pain, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
  • Brain blood clots cause stroke symptoms, including vision changes, speech problems, and weakness.
  • Abdominal blood clots cause severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Lung blood clots cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough.
  • Leg blood clots can cause mild cramping and tenderness to numbness and a bluish discoloration of the skin.

 

What Causes Blood Clots

These risk factors increase your likelihood of developing a blood clot:

  • Family or personal history of blood clots
  • Recent surgery, varicose veins, or heart disease
  • Use of hormones, including birth control
  • Obesity
  • Being sedentary or bedridden
  • Age 65 or older

 

Treating & Preventing Blood Clots

Treatment and prevention of blood clots depends upon whether the clot is in a vein (venous) or artery (a)rterial.

For venous clots, you will take blood thinners (a)nticoagulants to prevent the clot from growing and help blood flow past the clot. You may also need a procedure to place a filter in your vena cava, the large vein that carries blood to your heart. The filter will stop the clot from entering your heart or lungs.

For arterial clots, your doctor may pursue more aggressive treatment, often requiring emergency interventions. Clot-busting drugs (thrombolytics) are one option. Another option is a catheter-based procedure to break up or remove the clot.

To help prevent blood clots, you can:

  • Stay active
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treating medical conditions

Dignity Health provides high-quality emergency services, including emergency blood clot treatment, in Arizona.