🩸 Why Blood Clots Matter
A blood clot (also called a thrombus) is a semi-solid mass of blood that forms to stop bleeding. While this is normal during injury, clots can be dangerous when they form inside blood vessels without injury. If they block circulation, they can cause:
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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
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Pulmonary embolism (PE)
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Heart attack
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Ischemic stroke
Clots that travel to the lungs, heart, or brain can be fatal.
🚨 The 5 Warning Signs of a Blood Clot
1. Swelling in One Limb
Unexplained swelling in one leg or arm—often from a DVT—is a red flag. The area may feel tight, heavy, or look noticeably larger than the other side.
2. Pain or Tenderness
A clot in the leg can cause cramping, throbbing, or tenderness, especially in the calf or thigh. The pain may worsen when walking or flexing the foot.
3. Red or Discolored Skin
Skin near the clot may appear red, bluish, or pale. In some cases, it may feel warm to the touch compared to surrounding areas.
4. Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain
These are hallmark signs of a pulmonary embolism (PE)—a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs. PE is a life-threatening emergency and may also cause:
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Rapid heartbeat
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Lightheadedness
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Coughing up blood
5. Sudden Numbness or Weakness
If a clot travels to the brain, it may cause symptoms of a stroke, including:
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One-sided numbness or paralysis
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Facial drooping
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Confused speech
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Vision changes
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Loss of balance or coordination
If you suspect a stroke, use the F.A.S.T. test and call emergency services immediately.
🔍 Common Causes and Risk Factors for Blood Clots
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Recent surgery or injury
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Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest)
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Pregnancy and postpartum
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Birth control pills or hormone therapy
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Genetic clotting disorders
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Cancer or cancer treatments
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COVID-19 or other inflammatory conditions
🧠 How Blood Clots and Stroke Are Connected
When a clot blocks blood flow to the brain, it causes an ischemic stroke—the most common type of stroke. Many strokes result from clots that form in the heart (e.g., due to atrial fibrillation) or travel from other parts of the body.
After a stroke:
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Blood thinners may be prescribed
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Rehabilitation tools like ReHAND™ can support safe movement and prevent complications due to immobility
✋ ReHAND™: Supporting Safer Stroke Recovery
If you've had a stroke or are at risk, hand and arm mobility is critical to avoiding future complications like stiffness, spasticity, or reduced circulation.
✅ ReHAND™ can help by:
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Encouraging gentle, consistent movement
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Supporting circulation and flexibility
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Reducing the risk of contractures and muscle atrophy
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Helping restore brain-hand connection after a clot-related stroke
