Blood clot treatment is crucial to your well-being as clots can get bigger or break and spread through your body. Blood clots typically form in your veins and arteries to prevent further bleeding when you get injured. Blood is normally in liquid form and flows freely. However, when you get injured, blood turns into a gel-like or solid form to prevent free flow, which could make you lose a lot of blood.
Blood clots are, therefore, a normal bodily response to halt excessive bleeding and normally dissolve on their own. However, when blood clots form in your veins and arteries and do not dissolve, they can threaten your health.
Blood clot treatment involves medications or surgery in some cases. So, what can you expect during blood clots treatment?
Symptoms of Blood Clots
Getting medical attention whenever you experience any symptoms of blood clots is essential to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of blood clots vary depending on the location of the body where the clot forms. For instance, blood clots in the abdomen may lead to pain and nausea.
Blood clots that form on the arm or legs may lead to swelling, tenderness, and pain. Blood clots that form on the brain can affect your mobility and sight and even lead to seizures. Blood clots can also form in the heart and lungs and may lead to chest pains and, in worse cases, a heart attack.
Diagnosis of Blood Clots
If you experience any symptoms of blood clots, try to get a diagnosis so that if the results are positive, you can get treatment. A diagnosis of your symptoms will also help to rule out other causes.
On suspicion of a blood clot, your doctor will recommend certain tests to check your blood flow and the condition of your blood vessels. Common tests to diagnose blood clots include blood tests, ultrasound, CT Scans, V/Q scans, and MRA Scans.
Blood Clot Treatment
Blood clot treatments work on preventing the clots from getting bigger or breaking and spreading to crucial parts of your body. The treatment of blood clots also prevents potential recurrence. The type of treatment a doctor will recommend also depends on the part of the body where the clot forms. Common blood clots treatments include:
Blood Thinning Medication
Blood thinning medication prevents blood from clotting. Additionally, blood thinners have the potential to enable the blood clots which have already formed to dissolve.
Stockings for Compression
Compression stockings are commonly used in cases where one is at risk or suffering from blood clots in the legs. The stockings reduce swelling and prevent blood clots from breaking and spreading.
Vena Cava Filters
In cases where you cannot take medication for blood thinning, your doctor will recommend vena cava filters, a metal device that prevents pulmonary embolism. Surgeons place a vena cava filter through an incision in your neck or groin to prevent blood clots from spreading to the lungs.
Surgery
For surgical removal of blood clots, doctors either use catheters to deliver medication which will help to thin the blood clots or in some instances, use special equipment to remove the blood clot.
Stents
Doctors can also use stents to help keep the blood vessels open to prevent the blood clots from forming and dangerously stationing in your veins.
Contact Cancer and Blood Disorder Treatment Centre for More Information on Blood Clot Treatment
At Cancer and Blood Disorders Treatment Center, Dr. Meelu is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to patients with blood disorders. Whether you need a routine blood test or treatment for a complex blood condition, we are here to help you get an early diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders.
Contact us today by visiting our website or filling out our online contact form. You can also call us at 301-638-1007. Our team is ready to assist you in any way we can.