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Warning-sign checks

Deep vein thrombosis: 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 if you have:

    • Sudden or unexplained shortness of breath
    • Chest pain, especially pain that worsens when breathing in
    • Coughing up blood
    • Fainting, collapse, confusion, or severe light-headedness
    • Severe breathing difficulty or a very fast heartbeat

    While taking an anticoagulant, seek emergency help for uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, a sudden severe headache, or a significant head injury.

    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 is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • 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 same-day medical assessment for new one-sided leg or arm swelling, pain, warmth, or skin colour changes, especially after surgery, immobility, pregnancy, or a previous clot.

    DVT cannot be safely confirmed or excluded at home.

    Persistent bleeding or unusually heavy menstrual bleeding also needs prompt medical advice.

    Contact your care team sooner if symptoms worsen, doses are missed, or side effects make the medicine difficult to take.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for gradually improving swelling, questions about activity or travel, medicine reviews, and discussion about treatment duration.

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