Blood Clot

Blood clots happen when blood thickens and forms a solid mass within a blood vessel, potentially disrupting your normal circulation. Recognizing signs early and seeking timely care can prevent serious outcomes, like tissue damage or organ compromise.

What Is a Blood Clot?

A blood clot, also known as a thrombus, forms when blood changes from a liquid to a gel-like or semi-solid state. While clotting is a normal and necessary process that helps stop bleeding after an injury, clots that form inside blood vessels without a clear need can be dangerous. These abnormal clots can block blood flow, depriving tissues and organs of oxygen and nutrients, which may result in serious medical emergencies such as a heart attack or stroke.

Blood clots can develop in veins and arteries and are often categorized based on their location and behavior. Veins carry blood back to the heart, and clots in the deep veins, especially in the legs, are more likely to cause swelling and pain. Arterial blood clots, on the other hand, can stop blood from reaching vital organs and may be life-threatening.

Types of Blood Clots 

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) : A clot that forms in the deep veins, most often in the legs. It can cause pain, swelling and redness and may lead to serious complications if untreated
• Pulmonary embolism (PE) : Occurs when a clot (often from a DVT) travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. It can cause shortness of breath and chest pain and can be life-threatening
• Superficial thrombophlebitis: A clot in a vein close to the surface of the skin, typically in the legs. It’s usually less serious than a DVT but may require treatment
• Renal vein thrombosis: A clot that forms in the vein that drains one or both kidneys. It can reduce kidney function and is more common in people with certain kidney or clotting disorders
• Portal vein thrombosis (PVT): A clot in the portal vein, which carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. It can impair liver function and is often linked to liver disease, abdominal infections or clotting disorders
• Arterial thrombosis: A clot that forms inside an artery, restricting oxygen-rich blood from reaching critical organs like the heart, brain or limbs. It can lead to a heart attack, stroke or limb ischemia
• Arterial embolism: A clot or debris that travels through the bloodstream and suddenly blocks an artery elsewhere in the body. These clots often originate in the heart, especially in people with atrial fibrillation, and can cause serious complications like stroke, mesenteric or limb ischemia

Blood Clot Symptoms

Symptoms of blood clots can vary depending on their location in the body, and early-stage blood clot symptoms may be subtle or easily overlooked. Common signs of venous blood clots include: 

• Redness or discoloration
• Warmth in the affected area
• Swelling, usually in one limb
• Pain or tenderness, often cramping
• Sudden shortness of breath if the clot travels to the lungs 

Arterial Blood Clot Symptoms 

• Sudden vision changes or loss
• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Cold, pale or blue limbs
• Difficulty speaking or confusion
• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea or urgent bowel movements

Inspira’s Approach to Blood Clot Treatment 

At Inspira, our expert team provides advanced blood clot care, combining vascular, hematology and radiology specialists. We deliver accurate diagnosis, customized treatment plans and reliable monitoring to minimize complications and speed recovery. Patients can expect quick access to care, leading-edge therapies and support for long-term vascular health.