The Doctor. Jeremy Kenter of Ally Medical Emergency Room joined Studio 512 host Rosie Newberry to talk about blood clots.
Can you start by telling us what exactly a blood clot is?
“Our veins and arteries work hard every day, sending blood to our vital organs and forming semi-solid collections of blood, or clots, to help our bodies when we suffer a cut or scrape. However, sometimes unnecessary blood clots are created, which can be dangerous if not treated properly.”
What puts us at greater risk of getting a blood clot?
“Blood clots can affect anyone; however, there are risk factors that can make them more likely to occur.
The three main risk factors for dangerous blood clots are:
- Cancer
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Pregnancy
“Other risk factors include estrogen-containing birth control, trauma, immobility or sitting for long periods, being overweight, a family history of blood clots, and smoking.”
“New medical research has introduced a background of COVID-19 as a new risk factor for blood clots, showing that patients have an elevated risk of blood clots for one year after contracting COVID-19.”
“With more than 6.5 million cases of COVID-19 in Texas confirmed by the Texas Department of Health Services, there will likely be an increase in the number of patients with blood clots in the future.”
Are there different types of blood clots?
“There are two types of blood clots: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Both types require medical attention, so recognizing the signs and symptoms is essential.”
“Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in the arm or leg. Although less severe, DVTs are more common and require medical attention to prevent the clot from breaking off and forming a PE.”
- Look for the following symptoms to recognize a DVT clot:
- Swelling at the site of the blood clot or throughout the limb
- A red or blue coloration on the arm or leg
- Pain ranging from a dull ache to an intense throbbing
- Swollen and painful veins
- Warm skin around painful areas
- Leg cramp (if the clot is in the calf)
“Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lung. Most PEs start with a blood clot forming in a deep vein that ruptures and travels to the lung. PEs are more dangerous and urgent than a DVT clot, so being aware of the symptoms is essential.”
- Common symptoms of PE include the following:
- difficulty breathing
- Chest pain that gets worse with deep breathing or lying down
- Cough or coughing up blood
- Heart rate faster than normal or irregular heartbeat
What should someone do if they suspect a possible blood clot?
“If you have any symptoms of a blood clot, you should seek medical attention immediately. Doctors can use a variety of tests to diagnose a blood clot, an example being a CT scan.”
“Treatments can range from less invasive, such as compression stockings and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners), to more invasive, such as stents and catheter surgery. Treatment will vary depending on where the clot is and how likely it is to harm you.”
“Each Ally Medical Emergency Room is equipped to treat major and minor medical emergencies, including blood clots, for children and adults of all ages in a safe, stress-free environment. There is no need for an appointment and patients can arrive at any time of the day or night with little or no waiting.”
Ally Medical is open 24/7 and has four locations serving the Austin area, including two in Houston. Follow on Twitter and Instagram @AllyMedical. Learn more at AllyMedical.com.
This segment is paid for by Ally Medical Emergency Room and is for an advertisement. Opinions expressed by the guest(s) on this program are those of the guest(s) only and are not endorsed by this television station.