How Fast Does a Blood Clot Travel from the Legs to the Lungs?

Blood clots, also known as thrombi, are vital components of our body's natural defense mechanism against excessive bleeding. However, when these clots form inappropriately or travel to the wrong places, they can become dangerous and life-threatening.

One of the most concerning scenarios is when a blood clot originating in the legs travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. In this blog post, we will explore what a blood clot is, the dangers associated with it, and what to do if you suspect you have a blood clot.

What is a blood clot?

A blood clot, also known as a thrombus, is a gel-like mass of blood formed when the components of the blood, primarily platelets and fibrin, come together to prevent excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged or injured. A normal and necessary part of our body's response to injury, problems can arise when clots form inappropriately or when they occur in situations where there is no injury or bleeding to stop.

There are two main types of blood clots:

Thrombosis: This is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel. It can occur in arteries (arterial thrombosis) or veins (venous thrombosis).

Arterial Thrombosis: Arterial clots can form in the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body's tissues. These clots are often associated with conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.

Venous Thrombosis: Venous clots, or venous thrombosis, typically form in the deep veins of the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They can also occur in other veins of the body. These clots can be dangerous when they dislodge and travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).

When does a blood clot become dangerous?

A clot that has broken free from its original location, such as the legs, arms, or groin, and is now traveling through the bloodstream is called an embolus. When an embolus lodges in a blood vessel and blocks blood flow, it can lead to serious medical conditions, including pulmonary embolism (PE) if it reaches the lungs or stroke if it reaches the brain. If this happens, your life may be in danger.

How fast can a PE blood clot travel?

The speed at which a blood clot travels from the legs to the lungs can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the clot, the individual's overall health, and the specific circumstances surrounding the clot formation. In some cases, a blood clot can reach the lungs relatively quickly, while in others, it may take more time. Let's delve into some of the key factors that influence the travel time of a blood clot from the legs to the lungs:

1. Clot Size: Smaller clots might travel faster through the bloodstream than larger clots. A small clot may reach the lungs more quickly, while a larger one might take longer.
2. Clot Location: The location of the clot within the deep veins of the legs can affect how fast it travels. Clots closer to the pelvic area or larger veins might have a shorter distance to travel to reach the lungs.
3. Individual Health: The overall health of the individual plays a significant role. Factors such as the person's age, cardiovascular health, and any underlying medical conditions can influence how fast a clot travels.
4. Blood Flow: The rate of blood flow in the veins also matters. Slower blood flow can allow a clot more time to grow and potentially break loose.
5. Physical Activity: Physical activity can influence blood flow. Movement and exercise can help prevent clot formation and dislodgment, whereas prolonged periods of inactivity, such as during long flights or bed rest, can increase the risk of clot formation and travel.
6. Coexisting Conditions: Some individuals may have conditions that make their blood more prone to clotting, such as certain genetic factors or medical conditions like cancer or clotting disorders. In such cases, the risk of clot formation and travel may be higher.
7. Venous Valves: The presence and function of venous valves in the legs can impact the likelihood of a clot traveling. Healthy valves help prevent backward flow, reducing the risk of clots moving upwards.

Do all blood clots travel and become dangerous?

It's important to note that while blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, not all clots do. Many clots remain localized and do not become life-threatening. However, when a clot does dislodge and travels to the lungs, it can result in a medical emergency.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood, is crucial. Immediate medical attention is required when these symptoms occur, as prompt treatment can be lifesaving.

How to prevent blood clots in the first place!

To reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs, especially when the risk is elevated (e.g., following surgery or during long periods of immobility), medical professionals often recommend measures such as compression stockings, blood-thinning medications, and early mobilization. If you have concerns about blood clot risks, it's essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized guidance and preventive measures.

How much do you know about blood clots?

(Hint: probably not much)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 900,000 Americans are affected each year by a blood clot, resulting in nearly 100,000 deaths. Understanding your risk for a blood clot and knowing the signs and symptoms to seek treatment early and prevent death from a blood clot is essential.

Unfortunately, many people do not know much about blood clots and are not familiar with the signs and symptoms until it happens to them or a loved one—and it’s too late. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) developed the Stop the Clot, Spread the Word®. This digital campaign is intended to educate the public about the symptoms and dangers of Venous thromboembolism (VTE), the medical term for blood clots, and to prevent and reduce the occurrence of life-threatening blood clots.

Are you concerned that you have a blood clot in the Leg? We can help!

Center for Vein Restoration offers a DVT management program, including a DVT risk assessment and DVT rule-out service. Using our advanced screening technology, CVR can diagnose a potentially dangerous DVT and start treatment right away.

Don’t delay if you suspect DVT! Call CVR’s hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).

Remember, having varicose veins puts you at increased risk of developing blood clots! Have your vein problems addressed by the leaders in vein care—Center for Vein Restoration! Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation ONLINE.

Center for Vein Restoration accepts major insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. We work with major insurance companies, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Cigna, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and more. Don't see your insurance provider? Contact us to find out if you're covered.