warm to the touch or even feverish.
4. Patchy Skin
The leg afflicted with the blood clot may also turn red and patches of discolored skin may develop along the thigh or calf muscle.
5. Bloody Coughing
Sudden and unexplained coughing may occur with bloody mucus within.
You can help prevent blood clots if you:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes, socks, or stockings.
- Raise your legs 6 inches above your heart from time to time.
- Wear special stockings (called compression stockings) if your doctor prescribes them.
- Do exercises your doctor gives you.
- Change your position often, especially during a long trip.
- Do not stand or sit for more than 1 hour at a time.
- Eat less salt.
- Try not to bump or hurt your legs and try not to cross them.
- Do not use pillows under your knees.
- Raise the bottom of your bed 4 to 6 inches with blocks or books.
- Take all medicines the doctor prescribes you.
Risk Factors
Estimated risk for developing a DVT (blood clot in the leg) or PE (blood clot in the lung):
Blood Clots: High Risk
-
- Hospital stay
- Major surgery, such as abdominal/pelvic surgery
- Knee or hip replacement
- Major trauma: automobile accident or fall
- Nursing home living