Blood clots are a serious medical condition that affect as many as 900,000 Americans each year. Also known as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), blood clots can be classified into two other categories: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE).
DVT is a blood clot located in a deep vein, usually in a leg or arm. If left untreated, a DVT can move or break apart and travel to the lungs. A blood clot that travels to the lung is a PE, and it can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention. Statistics show that an estimate of 100,000 people die of blood clots and it can happen to anyone.
According to the CDC, early diagnosis of a blood clot is critical to prevent death. A medical ID can easily help identify or alert emergency personnel of a blood clot and its risks, even when a patient has become unconscious or unable to speak. Study shows that 3 in 10 people who have a blood clot will have another episode in 10 years.
Symptoms of a blood clot in the leg or arm can include:
Symptoms of a life-threatening blood clot in the lung can include:
Talk to your doctor or seek immediate medical treatment if you think you might have a blood clot. Blood clots are serious, and a blood clot in the lung is a medical emergency. Hence, it is recommended to wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace when diagnosed with a blood clot, an increased risk of a blood clot, or a history thereof.
Anticoagulant medications also referred to as blood thinners are commonly used to treat and prevent blood clots. It is important to alert emergency personnel or responders if a person is taking blood thinners to avoid the risk of bleeding. This information can be custom engraved on a medical ID along with other crucial health information.
Blood clots are a serious medical condition that emergency and health professionals should be alerted of. Every person and blood clot are different hence, it is recommended to choose a personalized medical alert jewelry that can hold the wearer’s unique and specific medical information. This can include the following:
“As with any medication, there are risks that come along with taking blood thinners. One of those risks is unwanted or uncontrolled bleeding…When I started thinking about all of the ways I could be injured without someone there to help me, or without someone who knew me, I realized that a medical ID was an essential part of caring for myself after a blood clot.” – Sara Wyen, VT and PE blood clot survivor, Blood Clot Recovery Network