ER Care with Humankindness for Blood Clots

Blood clotting is the body’s way to stop bleeding from a wound. However, when blood clots form inside a blood vessel in your body, they can quickly become a serious medical concern.

Blood clots that grow or break loose can cause a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. If you have blood clot symptoms, seek emergency care at Dignity Health.

Recognizing Blood Clot Symptoms at Dignity Health St. John's

The location of a blood clot in your body determines specific blood clot symptoms. Blood clots in legs can cause numbness, cramping, tenderness, and a bluish skin discoloration. If you have a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism), you may have pain in your chest, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Signs of a blood clot in the brain include speech problems, weakness, and changes in vision. Vomiting, diarrhea, and severe stomach pain can indicate an abdominal blood clot. If a blood clot travels to the heart, you can experience heart attack symptoms that include sweating, chest pain, and trouble breathing.

Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you to provide a complete and accurate diagnosis. Our doctors follow a philosophy of care, dignity, and respect when recommending treatment for your healing and well-being.

Personalized Blood Clot Treatment & Prevention

Blood clot treatment depends on the location of the clot. Blood clots in a vein, or venous blood clots, are best treated with blood thinners. These medicines prevent a clot from growing and help blood move past it. Your doctor also may suggest placing a filter in the vena cava, the large vein that provides blood to your heart. Doing this prevents the clot from traveling to your lungs or heart.

Arterial clots present a much more serious medical condition, often requiring emergency treatment. Your doctor may recommend clot-busting drugs or a catheter procedure that removes or breaks up the clot.

To prevent blood clots from developing in your body, stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and follow your doctor’s orders for treating any other medical conditions. Find a Doctor today at Dignity Health St. John's if you are at risk of developing blood clots.

Dignity Health emergency doctors provide personalized treatment for blood clots.