Choices connected to family planning, pregnancy, and the treatment of menopause symptoms must be carefully weighed to reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots.
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A woman’s risk for blood clots is further increased if she previously experienced a blood clot, has a family history of blood clots, or has been diagnosed with a genetic or acquired clotting disorder.
These additional factors should be taken into account when women make decisions about:
Why are Blood Clots Dangerous?
Dangerous blood clots often form in the deep veins of a person’s arm or leg. This type of blood clot is called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT. If a DVT is left untreated, it can break off or travel to the lungs. A blood clot that travels to the lung is called a pulmonary embolism or PE and can be life-threatening.
Up to 900,000 are affected by blood clots each year.
Annually, about 100,000 people die due to blood clots.
Recognize the Warning Signs
Symptoms of a blood clot in your leg or arm might include:
Swelling, pain, or tenderness not caused by injury
Skin that is warm to the touch
Redness or discoloration
Symptoms of a blood clot in your lung might include:
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath
Coughing up blood
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
What’s Your Risk?
About half of all people who experience a DVT do not experience symptoms, so the most important thing a woman can do to protect herself from a life-threatening blood clot is to learn if she is at risk.
Understanding your risk and the different choices you can make to help offset this risk can protect you from the potentially life-threatening consequences of blood clots.
