The doctor recommended scanning three areas of your legs for the first signs of dangerous blood clots.
< br>Blood clots can mean bad news, especially when they form in the veins, also known as deep vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT for short, affects about one in every 1,000 people in Russia.
Alarmingly, the gel-like lumps can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, where they can block one of the blood vessels, which can lead to death.
A cardiologist shared “early” warning signs of DVT with MedicForum at Vein Health Awareness Week.
“DVT usually affects the deep vein of the leg, a larger vein that runs through the muscles of the calf and thigh, causing the first signs to appear in this area,” says cardiologist Oleg Varfolomeev specially for MedicForum.
Varfolomeev recommended monitoring these parts of the leg when scanning for symptoms:
- Calves
- Ankle
- Thigh.
“Classically, DVT presents with a dull ache in the leg, often in the calf and sometimes in the calf and thigh. This is often accompanied by swelling of the ankle. In very severe cases, swelling may spread to the thigh. There are cases where patients report swelling but no pain, but this is less common.”
The cardiologist also added that it is “particularly concerning” if one leg is swollen more than the other, since common causes of swelling should cause equal swelling in both legs Patients with varicose veins should be “particularly vigilant” when monitoring their legs for DVT.
If you notice red signs of blood clots in your legs, “it’s important to seek medical attention,” the expert added.
The good news is that many emergency departments perform a blood test called “D-dimer” to identify those who are at risk.
“If you suspect you have varicose veins, you should The advice of a vein specialist should be sought to obtain a formal diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of complications and DVT in the long term.”
Anti-Clotting Products
Some foods have been linked to reducing the risk of blood clots or promoting cardiovascular health. “Although no food can guarantee the prevention of blood clots, a balanced diet can help promote a healthy circulatory system.”
Foods that will help prevent blood clots include: fatty fish, berries, dark chocolate, garlic, turmeric.
Not only foods, but also drinks can reduce the risk of blood clots. The main drink that can reduce your risk is already in your kitchen tap: water. Drinking enough water helps maintain proper blood volume and promotes optimal circulation.
MedicForum previously wrote about the dangers of grapes for older people.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.