A slightly swollen calf, noticeable redness, or a fleeting feeling of warmth… What if these small signs, which we tend to ignore, were actually warning signs? Blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), often creep silently through our bodies. And when they travel to the lungs, they can cause a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening emergency. But don’t worry: by learning to recognize the signs and adopting the right reflexes, you can act in time. Here’s everything you need to know.
The telltale signs… or almost:
Sudden swelling of a leg
A calf that swells for no reason, despite a rather quiet day? This common symptom of DVT should never be ignored, especially if it does not subside with a simple leg elevation or a cool compress.
Persistent redness:
A red, hot, and slightly painful patch? If it persists and is accompanied by other unusual sensations, it’s best to consult a doctor. Especially after a bruise or recent surgery.
