How Long Does It Take for a Blood Clot to Go Away on Its Own?

Medically reviewed by Frank Sbrocco, MD, on February 12, 2025

Blood clots are a common health concern ranging from harmless to life-threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 900,000 Americans are affected by VTE annually, with 100,000 deaths resulting from complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE). Further, three in 10 people with a blood clot will have another episode within 10 years.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how long it takes for a blood clot to dissolve on its own, the factors that affect the healing process, and when (and where!) to seek medical care to protect your health.

Frank Sbrocco, MD, a board-certified vascular surgeon with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders, has medically reviewed this article. He is the lead vein physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinic in Prince Frederick, Maryland, and Waldorf, Maryland.

Center for Vein Restoration is the nation’s leader in vein care. Its emphasis is on a patient-centered approach that prioritizes comfort, expertise, and lasting results.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sbrocco in Prince Frederick, MD, CLICK HERE

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sbrocco in Waldorf, MD, CLICK HERE

To schedule a consultation at any of CVR’s other 110+ venin clinic locations, call 240-391-1873 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule below.

What Is a Blood Clot?

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a gel-like collection of blood that forms in veins or arteries. While clots are essential for healing when they form at injury sites, they can be dangerous when they develop inside veins without an apparent cause. This can lead to conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where clots form in deep veins, typically in the legs.

A broader condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein. VTE includes two severe conditions:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, cramping, or soreness in the affected leg. If left untreated, DVT can lead to severe complications.
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A blood clot that breaks loose from a vein and travels to the lungs can cause sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and coughing up blood. PE is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Because blood clots in the legs can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs, it's crucial to recognize symptoms early and seek medical care if you experience signs of DVT or PE.

Avoid the Long Wait at the Emergency Room!

Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) offers a DVT rule-out service, including a scan and treatment, anticoagulation, education, and follow-up if needed. If you suspect a blood clot, call the DVT hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).

Can a Blood Clot Go Away on Its Own?

Yes, blood clots can sometimes dissolve naturally through a process called fibrinolysis, where the body breaks down and absorbs the clot. According to ScienceDirect, fibrinolysis is how the body naturally breaks down blood clots so they don’t build up too much. It happens in two steps: First, special proteins turn plasminogen into plasmin. Then, plasmin dissolves fibrin, which is the "glue" that holds clots together.

There are two types of fibrinolysis: primary fibrinolysis happens on its own to keep the blood flowing normally, while secondary fibrinolysis is caused by medications that help break down clots. The body carefully controls this process using different proteins to keep everything in balance and prevent too much clotting or too much bleeding.

This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the size and location of the clot. However, depending on the location of the blood clot, this lengthy process can be risky. Larger clots, or those in dangerous parts of the body, often require medical treatment to prevent complications.

Factors influencing whether a clot resolves naturally include:

• Clot Size: Smaller clots are more likely to dissolve on their own.
• Location: Clots in superficial veins are often less dangerous, while those in deep veins or the lungs require prompt attention.
• Health Conditions: Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and varicose veins caused by venous insufficiency can impair the body’s ability to manage clots effectively.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sbrocco or any of Center for Vein Restoration’s other 70+ board-certified vein specialists, call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

Risks of Untreated Blood Clots

Untreated blood clots pose significant health risks, including:

• Propagation: Clots can grow larger, increasing the risk of complications.
• Embolism: Fragments of a clot may travel to vital organs, causing pulmonary embolism (PE), heart attack, or stroke.
• Organ Damage: Clots can restrict blood flow to the brain, heart, or kidneys, leading to long-term damage.
• Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Even after resolving, clots may leave behind chronic pain, swelling, or skin discoloration in the affected area.

What Causes Blood Clots?

Blood clots can form for many reasons. Common risk factors include:

• Prolonged immobility: Sitting for long periods, such as during a flight or while bedridden, can slow blood flow and encourage clot formation.
• Injury or surgery: Damage to blood vessels can trigger clotting.
• Chronic vein disease: Conditions like varicose veins or venous insufficiency can increase clot risk.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, obesity, and dehydration can make blood more prone to clotting.
• Medical conditions: Cancer, infections, and inherited disorders such as Factor V Leiden mutation can contribute to clot formation.

What are the Symptoms of a Blood Clot?

Prompt recognition of blood clot symptoms can save your life. Warning signs include:

• Leg Pain: Often described as a cramping sensation in the calf or thigh.
• Swelling: Usually in one leg or arm.
• Skin Changes: Redness, warmth, or discoloration over the affected area.
• Breathing Issues: Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain may indicate PE.

If you suspect a blood clot, seek medical attention immediately. Delayed treatment can lead to severe complications or death. Call 911 or CVR’s DVT rule-out service at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388)

How to Treat Blood Clots

Medical treatment depends on the severity and location of the clot. Options include:

• Anticoagulants: These “blood-thinning” medications prevent clots from growing or forming new ones. Common drugs include warfarin, rivaroxaban, and apixaban.
• Thrombolytic Therapy: Medications like tissue plasminogen activators (tPA) dissolve clots quickly in severe cases.
• Compression Stockings: These improve blood flow in the legs and reduce swelling.
• Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters: A small device may be placed in the vena cava to catch clots before they reach the lungs.

Preventing Blood Clots

Prevention is key, especially for individuals with risk factors. Steps to prevent blood clots include:

• Stay Active: Regular exercise improves circulation and prevents stagnation of blood.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for blood clots and vein problems.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases clot risk.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps blood flowing smoothly.
• Wear Compression Stockings: If you’re prone to leg swelling or varicose veins, these can help prevent clots.
• Avoid Long Periods of Inactivity: If traveling or sitting for long periods, take breaks to move around.
• Manage Your Vein Health: Varicose veins can impair circulation and increase clot risk, leading to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Leg swelling, heaviness, and aching are symptoms of poor blood return and CVI.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like leg pain, swelling, or skin discoloration, don’t wait. Call 240-965-3915 to SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION ONLINE with a vein specialist at a Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic near you. Let our board-certified vein doctors guide you toward better vein health and peace of mind.

Blood Clot Recovery: What Studies Show

Recent research highlights the importance of early intervention. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that timely anticoagulation therapy significantly reduces the risk of complications from DVT and PE. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes the role of lifestyle modifications in preventing recurrent clots.

Why Choose Center for Vein Restoration?

Managing vein disease and preventing blood clots starts with expert care. Center for Vein Restoration is a national leader in diagnosing and treating vein disorders, offering personalized care for conditions like varicose veins and venous insufficiency. With a 98% patient satisfaction rate and over 500,000 patient interactions annually, we’re dedicated to helping you look and feel your best.

Don't Wait—Get Expert Vein Care Today

Untreated vein disease is a major risk factor for developing blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you have varicose veins, venous insufficiency, leg pain, or swelling, this is a sign that your veins may not function properly, increasing your risk of dangerous complications. At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our expert vein doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating vein problems before they lead to serious conditions like DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE).

Don't take chances with your vascular health. Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic near you today!