What Should I Do If I Think I Have a Blood Clot?

Medically reviewed by Michael Cornwell, MD, FACS, on March 16, 2025

If you’re worried that you or someone you love might have a blood clot, it’s completely understandable to feel anxious. We hear that blood clots are dangerous, but what does that mean? How do you know if you have one? Most importantly, what should you do if you suspect a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)??

The good news is that blood clots can be treated, but quick action is necessary to prevent serious complications.

For this blog, we consulted with board-certified vein specialist Michael Cornwell, MD, FACS, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration vein clinics in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and Horsham, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Yale University, Dr. Cornwell received his medical degree from Howard University School of Medicine, where he achieved Alpha Omega Alpha honors. After residency training, he became the Chief Resident of general surgery at Emory University. In 2000, he became board-certified by the American Board of Surgery.

✅If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cornwell in Bensalem, PA, CLICK HERE

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Read to learn what a blood clot is, the symptoms to watch for, when to seek emergency care, and how a board-certified vein specialist can help. By the end, you’ll know exactly what steps to take and where to turn for expert care.

Leg Pain and Swelling? It Could Be a Sign of Vein Disease

Don’t wait until a blood clot becomes a medical emergency to take control of your vein health. If you have varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, or other vein problems, now is the time to act. Addressing these conditions early can significantly reduce your risk of developing a dangerous clot. A board-certified vein specialist at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) can assess your circulation, identify any issues, and recommend effective, minimally invasive treatments to keep your veins healthy and functioning properly.

Skip the ER: Get Fast, Expert DVT Evaluation and Treatment

At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), we offer a safe and efficient alternative to the long wait in the emergency room. CVR’s deep vein thrombosis (DVT) rule-out service includes:

• Same-day evaluation and diagnosis of possible deep vein thrombosis
• Notification of results on the same day
• Immediate start of anticoagulation medication (if indicated)
• Long-term follow-up care until anticoagulation medicine can be stopped

To schedule a DVT rule-out appointment offered by Center for Restoration, call 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).

What Is a Blood Clot and Why Should You Be Concerned?

A blood clot is a clump of blood that has changed from a liquid to a gel-like or solid state. Clotting is a normal process that stops bleeding when you're injured. According to Medlineplus.gov, if you cut your skin, a clot forms to plug the wound and help it heal​. Once healed, the body dissolves that clot.

However, sometimes clots form inside your blood vessels when they shouldn’t, and they don’t dissolve naturally as expected. These clots can slow down or block blood flow. A clot in a vein (the vessels that carry blood back to the heart) can cause pain and swelling as blood backs up behind the clot​.

More worrying, according to the American Society of Hematology, is that a clot in a deep vein can break free and travel to vital organs like your lungs, which can lead to a life-threatening emergency called a pulmonary embolism (PE)​. This is why it's so important to recognize the signs of a blood clot and get medical help.

Stay calm, but act promptly! If you think you have a blood clot, don’t ignore it. Pay attention to your symptoms and use the guide below to decide your next steps. Remember, doctors deal with blood clots often, and treatments are available.

Questions? Call the DVT hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388) to find out if rule-out service is an appropriate option for you.

What Are the Symptoms of a Blood Clot?

While blood clots can happen without warning, per the Cleveland Clinic, there are common symptoms to watch for, including:

Symptoms of a Blood Clot in the Leg (DVT):

• Swelling: One leg (or sometimes an arm) suddenly becomes swollen. The limb may suddenly puff up or gradually swell​.
• Pain or tenderness: It may feel like a cramp or soreness that won’t go away. It may feel like a cramp or Charley horse that doesn't go away, and the pain often worsens when standing or walking.​
• Skin warmth: The affected area may feel painful, swollen, or ​warmer than the rest of your skin.
• Skin discoloration: If blood flow is blocked, the skin may appear red, purplish, or even pale or blue, especially on the calf or thigh​.
• Bulging veins: Surface veins may look more prominent or swollen than usual.

Some people have mild or no symptoms, so it’s crucial to stay aware, especially if you have blood clot risk factors such as varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, or a history of vein disease.

When to Seek Emergency Care

A blood clot in the leg itself is serious, but the worse danger is if it travels to your lungs (pulmonary embolism) or other organs. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. It may feel hard to take a deep breath.
• Chest pain or tightness. The pain might be sharp and often worsens when breathing deeply​. Some people feel like it's a heart attack.
• Coughing up blood. Any blood in your spit or mucus is a red flag​.
• A fast heartbeat and feeling faint are signs of something very wrong. A very rapid pulse, lightheadedness, or passing out are also troubling signs​.
• Sudden arm/leg weakness or numbness, or difficulty speaking. Though rare with vein clots, these could mean a clot has traveled to the brain, causing a stroke​. Any face drooping, trouble talking, or sudden severe headache needs immediate help.

These symptoms can signal a pulmonary embolism or stroke, which are medical emergencies. Do not wait or try to drive yourself if you have severe chest pain or can't breathe—call for an ambulance. Seek emergency care right away for symptoms like coughing blood, chest pain, trouble breathing, a racing heart, or sudden confusion or weakness​.

If your symptoms are less pronounced and may not be a medical emergency, they are still worrisome. Call Center for Vein Restoration’s DVT hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388) to request an urgent evaluation. We offer this dedicated DVT rule-out service to provide fast, accurate scans, expert treatment, patient education, and follow-up care.

How Are Blood Clots Connected to Vein Problems?

You might wonder, "Am I at risk for a blood clot?" The truth is that certain vein problems can increase your chances of developing a clot. These include:

• Varicose veins: These swollen, twisted veins may not seem serious, but they can slow down blood flow, increasing clot risk.
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): This occurs when blood has trouble flowing back up to the heart, leading to pooling in the veins—a major factor in clot formation.
• Long periods of immobility: Sitting for too long (like during a long flight) or being on bed rest after surgery can slow circulation, making clots more likely.

If you have any of these conditions, it’s smart to see a board-certified Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist who can help you manage your vein health and lower your clot risk using advanced evaluation techniques and minimally invasive outpatient vein treatments.

How a Board-Certified Vein Doctor Can Help

If you suspect a blood clot, you need a doctor who specializes in vein disease and blood clot treatment. A CVR vein specialist can quickly diagnose a clot using ultrasound imaging and create a treatment plan to prevent complications.

At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), highly trained vein doctors offer:

• Fast and accurate blood clot evaluation
• State-of-the-art ultrasound diagnostics
• Advanced treatment for vein disease and DVT
• Minimally invasive procedures to improve circulation

A vein specialist can also help address underlying vein conditions—like varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency—to reduce your risk of future clots. Best of all, CVR accepts many insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid. Our dedicated staff has helped countless people navigate the insurance process—and we can help you, too! Call CVR at 877-425-2608 for more information on coverage.

How Are Blood Clots Treated?

If you’re diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), treatment usually involves:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants): These medications prevent clots from growing and lower the risk of new clots forming.
• Compression stockings: These snug, stretchy garments help improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Keeping your leg elevated when at rest and staying active (under your doctor’s guidance) can help speed recovery.
• Minimally invasive procedures: In severe cases, clot-dissolving treatments or vein procedures may be needed.

Many DVT patients don’t need hospitalization and can be treated on an outpatient basis with proper monitoring.

Take Control of Your Vein Health Before a Blood Clot Becomes an Emergency!

Taking care of your veins today means preventing serious complications tomorrow. People often dismiss leg pain, swelling, or visible veins as cosmetic concerns or normal signs of aging—but these symptoms often signal underlying vein disease. Left untreated, poor circulation can contribute to the formation of blood clots, increasing your risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other serious conditions.

A simple and painless consultation with a Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein expert can clarify your vein health and offer personalized solutions to improve your comfort, mobility, and overall well-being.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.