newsprompt.coBLOOD CLOT IN LEG SYMPTOMS
Blood Clot Formation
When you cut or injure yourself, your body stops the bleeding by forming a blood clot. Proteins and particles in your blood, called platelets, stick together to form the blood clot. The process of forming a clot is called coagulation. Normal coagulation is important during an injury, as it helps stop a cut from bleeding and starts the healing process.
However, the blood shouldn’t clot when it’s just moving through the body. If blood tends to clot too much, it is referred to as a hypercoagulable state or thrombophilia.
Are hypercoagulable states dangerous?
Hypercoagulable states can be dangerous, especially when these conditions are not properly identified and treated. People with hypercoagulable states have an increased risk for blood clots developing in the arteries (blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart) and veins (blood vessels that carry blood to the heart). A clot inside a blood vessel is also called a thrombus or an embolus.
Blood clots in the veins or venous system can travel through the bloodstream and cause deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the veins of the pelvis, leg, arm, liver, intestines or kidneys) or a pulmonary embolus (blood clot in the lungs).
Blood clots in the arteries can increase the risk for stroke, heart attack, severe leg pain, difficulty walking, or even the loss of a limb.
What causes hypercoagulable states?
Hypercoagulable states are usually genetic (inherited) or acquired conditions. The genetic form of this disorder means a person is born with the tendency to form blood clots. Acquired conditions are usually a result of operation, trauma, relievers or a health condition that increases the risk of hypercoagulable states.
Inherited hypercoagulable conditions include:
Factor V Leiden (the most common)
Prothrombin gene mutation
Deficiencies of natural proteins that prevent clotting (such as antithrombin, protein C and protein S)
Elevated levels of homocysteine
Elevated levels of fibrinogen or dysfunctional fibrinogen (dysfibrinogenemia)
Elevated levels of factor VIII (still being investigated as an inherited condition) and other factors including factor IX and XI
Abnormal fibrinolytic system, including hypoplasminogenemia, dysplasminogenemia and elevation in levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1 )
Acquired hypercoagulable conditions include:
Causes:
Recent trauma or operation
Central venous catheter placement
Obesity
Pregnancy
Supplemental estrogen use, including oral contraceptive meds (birth control)
Hormone replacement therapy
Prolonged bed rest or immobility
Heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke and other illnesses that lead to decreased activity
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (decreased platelets in the blood due to heparin or low molecular weight heparin preparations)
Lengthy airplane travel, also known as “economy class syndrome”
Previous history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
Myeloproliferative disorders such as polycythemia vera or essential thrombocytosis
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Inflammatory bowel syndrome
HIV/AIDS
Nephrotic syndrome (too much protein in the urine)
Some Possible Effects of Blood Clots Include:
Stroke – A stroke can occur if a blood clot causes blood flow to your brain to be restricted. If blood flow is cut off for more than a few minutes, the cells in your brain start to die. This impairs the parts of the body that the brain cells control. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, paralysis (an inability to move), or death.
Heart Attack – A blood clot in a coronary artery can lead to a heart attack. A heart attack occurs if blood flow to a section of heart muscle becomes blocked. If blood flow isn’t restored quickly, the section of heart muscle becomes damaged from lack of oxygen and begins to die. This heart damage may not be obvious, or it may cause severe or long-lasting problems such as heart failure or arrhythmias.
Kidney Failure – A blood clot in the kidneys can lead to kidney failure, where kidneys can no longer remove fluids and waste from your body.
Pulmonary Embolism – If a blood clot travels from a deep vein in the body to the lungs, it’s called a pulmonary embolism (PE). PE is a serious condition that can damage your lungs and other organs and cause low oxygen levels in your blood.
Deep Vein Thrombosis – A blood clot in a vein deep in your arm or leg can cause pain, swelling, redness, or increased warmth in the affected limb can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT clots can break off, travel to the lungs and cause PE.
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) – Together, PE and DVT make up venous thromboembolism.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – PAD is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries, most commonly in the arteries of the pelvis and legs.
Pregnancy-related problems – Blood clots can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and other pregnancy-related problems, such as preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy.
With relievers and ongoing care, many people who have excessive blood clotting can successfully manage it.