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Warning-sign checks

Blood clots: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for new chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, coughing up blood, or stroke symptoms.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent assessment for new one-sided limb swelling or pain.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up usually reviews symptoms, medicine use, bleeding, test results, and the likely cause of the clot.

    The clinician may also discuss when to return to work, travel, exercise, or other activities.

    Routine follow-up is also a time to review whether treatment should continue and whether age-appropriate health screening is up to date.

    Extensive cancer or genetic testing is not automatically needed for every clot.

    These are not symptoms to save for a routine appointment.

The article also says

Tell every clinician and dentist about anticoagulant treatment before a procedure or new prescription.

Check before using over-the-counter pain relievers, supplements, or herbal products because some can increase bleeding or change how an anticoagulant works.

Do not skip, double, or change doses unless the prescribing team provides instructions.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Blood clots. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.