Blood is a fluid connective tissue that flows through the body to circulate nutrients and oxygen to the lungs and other tissues. A blood clot is a mass that forms when platelets, proteins, and other cells stick together. When one is injured, a clot prevents excessive blood loss by stopping the bleeding. Clots can also form in arteries and veins, even without any sign of injury. These can lead to several complications and health risks.

The risk that blood clots pose depends on their location in the body. They can cause conditions like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST), ischemic stroke, heart attack, kidney problems, or pregnancy-related problems. Knowing the signs and symptoms of blood clots can help one be aware and take the appropriate steps to have them diagnosed and managed. Here are some unusual warning signs of blood clots to watch out for:

• Leg cramps: When a clot forms in a major vein in the legs, it is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It has common symptoms like leg pain and cramping. These clots can develop over time or appear suddenly, especially after long periods of sitting in a cramped position, like on a long-distance flight. While this pain may seem inconsequential, it is a serious condition that could lead to a pulmonary embolism, a sudden blockage in a lung artery. This is a life-threatening medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
• Back pain: Back pain could be an indicator of a blood clot in the pelvic area or the major abdominal vein called the inferior vena cava. Even though back pain is a rare symptom of blood clots, it can cause permanent damage to the organs, as it cuts off the supply of blood and oxygen.
• Discolored skin: Since blood clots disrupt normal blood flow, they can show up on the skin in the form of discoloration. For example, if a particular area of the body suddenly appears reddish or bluish, it could be a sign of a blood clot and might require appropriate medical attention.
• Warm skin: The disrupted blood flow may also cause a temperature variation in the skin, making it feel warm to the touch. Anyone with a history of increased risk of blood clots must monitor these changes carefully and report them to the doctor. Generally, symptoms like warm skin, leg cramps, and discoloration appear together.
• Swelling: One of the most common signs of a blood clot is swelling in the arm, hand, foot, ankle, or leg. It occurs when a clot stops the flow of blood, causing a build-up in the vessel and making it swell. However, it is not the only cause of swelling or inflammation in the body. Swelling could also be a result of low albumin, allergic reactions, pregnancy, head trauma, side effects of a certain treatment, etc.
• Excessive sweating: If one experiences other symptoms of blood clots and excessive sweating, it indicates a serious clot located in the lung or heart. This requires immediate medical attention and must not be ignored. It may also be accompanied by trouble breathing or the sensation of a racing heart.
• Chest pain: Sudden, intense chest pain could be an indicator of a pulmonary embolism caused by a clot breaking off. It could also be a sign of a clot in the artery leading to a heart attack. This might also be accompanied by pain in the arm.

Depending on their location, blood clots may have different symptoms. For instance, a clot in the brain may cause trouble speaking, vision problems, seizures, weakness on one side of the body, and a sudden, severe headache, whereas a clot in the lung may cause shortness of breath, pain with deep breathing, rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate.

People with conditions like atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, cancer, diabetes, certain genetic disorders, obesity, and pregnancy risk developing blood clots. Those who live a sedentary lifestyle and stay in one position for a long time also have a higher risk of developing blood clots. A diagnosis is made after a physical examination, going through the patient’s medical history, and conducting certain tests and imaging tests such as ultrasounds, X-rays, and CT scans. Depending on the location and severity of the clot, doctors may recommend management options.