Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body. It can also occur without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. While the condition isn’t always dangerous, complications arise when a part of the clot breaks off and travels through the blood stream to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.

Being aware of the several deep vein thrombosis early warning symptoms is essential because this will enable you to determine the right course of action while avoiding complications. Whereas some people may experience one or all symptoms, others may have none.

Given below are some of the recognizable early warning signs of deep vein thrombosis.

  • Swelling of arm, leg or calf: This swelling is caused by a clot that prevents oxygen from reaching the organs, leading to poor blood circulation in the leg. If you see an unusual swelling that occurs without any warning, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
  • Bulging veins: The blood clots will create red streaks that run along the length of veins, making them noticeable.
  • Red skin: An early indicator of blood clots is when skin becomes red or discolored.
  • Warmth in the leg: The affected leg may also feel warmer than the rest of the skin. It is an early warning sign of deep vein thrombosis, and you should seek medical attention for it immediately.
  • Leg pain or tenderness and cramps: When you experience tenderness or pain while walking or standing, you should visit your doctor. It is another one of the deep vein thrombosis early warning symptoms. You are likely to have a cramp-like feeling in the affected leg.

In some cases, the condition may resolve on its own while in others, life threatening consequences of pulmonary embolism may develop. The treatment of deep vein thrombosis usually focuses on stopping the growth of a blood clot and preventing it from breaking off and heading towards the lungs. Even if you experience mild symptoms, you should get in touch with your doctor.

Signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism
An untreated case of deep vein thrombosis may result in a potentially fatal complication called pulmonary embolism. The blockage of blood vessels in the lungs can also lead to difficulty in breathing and even death.

The symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:

  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Losing consciousness
  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Pain in the chest
  • Higher heart rate
  • Coughing up blood

It is beneficial to know the early warning signs of deep vein thrombosis as it can happen to anybody. You must seek medical care if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Appropriate and timely treatment can help people recover, and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.