What Are the Symptoms of a Blood Clot in the Arm?
According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, symptoms of a blood clot in the arm include swelling, pain, tenderness, reddish or bluish skin discoloration, and being warm to the touch. If these symptoms are present, immediate medical treatment may be necessary.
These symptoms might feel similar to a pulled muscle or a cramp, notes the National Blood Clot Alliance, but they may differ in swelling, coloration and skin temperature. The blood clots that form deep in the veins are referred to as deep vein thrombosis. This condition is most often present in the legs, but it can also be present in arms. These blood clots are formed when there is damage to the lining of a blood vessel, such as an artery or vein. The damage can occur from a recent trauma or certain diseases, notes eMedicineHealth. Other causes of blood clots include pregnancy, smoking, hormone therapy and prolonged immobility.
Blood clots can break off from the vein or artery and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which is a dangerous and potentially fatal condition, as eMedicineHealth explains. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate and an unexplained cough. If the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are present, emergency intervention is necessary.
