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Read MoreWhen you hear the words “blood clot,” you might immediately think of leg pain or swelling. But clots aren’t limited to the legs—they can form in the arms, lungs, abdomen and brain. Recognizing the signs early is critical because untreated clots can lead to serious complications.
Inspira Health vascular surgeon Andre Cole, D.O., explained: “Blood clots are the body’s way of preventing bleeding. But when they form in the wrong place, or don’t dissolve as they should, they can become dangerous. They don’t just happen in the legs—they can occur throughout the body.”
In August 2025, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler gave the public a high-profile example of just how serious clots can be. Wheeler developed a blood clot in his right upper arm near his shoulder. He underwent a thrombolysis procedure, a treatment to break up the clot, and now faces an uncertain recovery timeline. His case is a reminder that clots don’t discriminate—they can affect elite athletes as well as everyday people.
Here’s what you should know about blood clots and how they form.
How Blood Clots Form
Blood clots begin when platelets and clotting proteins in the blood form a gel-like mass to plug a vessel injury. Normally, this is lifesaving. But sometimes, clots develop without injury or don’t go away after healing.
Risk factors for blood clots include:
- Long periods of sitting or lying still, like travel, hospitalization or recovery from surgery
Certain medical conditions, like cancer, infections or clotting disorders
Vessel injury or inflammation
- Hormonal medications, like birth control or hormone replacement therapy
“It’s not always one factor that contributes to blood clot formation. It can be a combination. That’s why even healthy, active people can sometimes develop clots,” said Dr. Cole.
Symptoms: More Than Just Leg Swelling
Because clots can appear in different areas, symptoms vary. Common warning signs include:
- In the arm: heaviness, swelling, warmth or unexplained pain
- In the lungs (pulmonary embolism): chest pain, rapid heartbeat or sudden shortness of breath
- In the abdomen: severe or persistent stomach or back pain
- In the brain: sudden headaches, dizziness, difficulty speaking or weakness on one side of the body
“The key message is to listen to your body,” said Dr. Cole. “If something feels off, especially pain, swelling or shortness of breath, don’t ignore it.”
Seek medical attention right away if you experience:
- Sudden swelling, redness or warmth in a limb
- Chest pain or unexplained shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain or sudden neurological symptoms
Early treatment can prevent clots from breaking loose and causing more severe problems.
Prevention and Action Steps
While not every clot can be prevented, there are steps to reduce your risk:
- Stay active and avoid sitting for long periods of time
- Stay hydrated, especially during travel
- Talk with your provider if you have a family history of clotting disorders
- Know the symptoms and act fast if they occur
At Inspira Health, vascular specialists like Dr. Cole provide advanced treatment for clot-related conditions and help patients manage their risk. If you’re concerned about blood clot symptoms or risk factors, Inspira’s vascular care team is here to support you.
