Can you have blood clots for years and not know it?

“But about 30–40% of cases go unnoticed, since they don't have typical symptoms.” In fact, some people don't realize they have a deep vein clot until it causes a more serious condition. Deep vein clots—especially those in the thigh—can break off and travel through the bloodstream.

Can a blood clot go undetected for years?

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis

One of the problems in diagnosing DVT is that many people develop the condition without any symptoms. This usually makes the condition go undetected for a very long time.

Can you live with a blood clot and not know it?

You can have DVT and not know it, especially if the clot is small. The most common symptoms of DVT are swelling in an arm or leg, tenderness that isn't from an injury, and skin that feels warm and is red in the area of the clot. A clot usually forms in just one leg or arm, not both.

Can you have a blood clot for a long time?

Living with DVT

It takes about 3 to 6 months for a blood clot to go away. During this time, there are things you can do to relieve symptoms. Elevate your leg to reduce swelling. Talk to your doctor about using compression stockings.

How do you know if you have a history of blood clots?

Imaging tests for blood clots may include an ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan. These tests can help doctors look for blood clots both in blood vessels and within tissues and organs.

What does a blood clot in the leg feel like?

What tests rule out clots?

Duplex ultrasonography is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at the flow of blood in the veins. It can detect blockages or blood clots in the deep veins. It is the standard imaging test to diagnose DVT. A D-dimer blood test measures a substance in the blood that is released when a clot breaks up.

How do I check myself for blood clots?

This evaluation, known as Homan's Test, consists of laying flat on your back and extending the knee in the suspected leg. Have a friend or family member raise the extended leg to 10 degrees, then have them squeeze the calf. If there's deep pain in the calf, it may be indicative of DVT.

Can you have a blood clot for 2 years?

As many as half of those who get a DVT in their legs develop symptoms of intermittent leg pain and swelling that may last months to years. These symptoms are called post-thrombotic syndrome and can happen because of damage to the valves and inner lining of your veins leading to blood “pooling” more than it should.

What happens if blood clot left untreated?

If the clot is small, it might not cause any symptoms. If it's medium-sized, it can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties. A large clot can cause the lungs to collapse, resulting in heart failure, which can be fatal. About one in 10 people with an untreated DVT develops a severe pulmonary embolism.

Can a blood clot go away untreated?

Overview. Blood clots can be very serious, so symptoms of blood clots should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. If not treated, a clot can break free and cause a pulmonary embolism—where the clot gets stuck in a blood vessel in the lung, causing severe shortness of breath and even sudden death.

Can a blood test detect a blood clot?

Tests used to diagnose or rule out DVT include: D-dimer blood test. D dimer is a type of protein produced by blood clots. Almost all people with severe DVT have increased blood levels of D dimer.

What are the 10 signs of a blood clot?

Can you have a pulmonary embolism for years?

Medium to Long Term

After the high-risk period has elapsed (roughly one week), blood clots in your lung will need months or years to completely resolve.

Can a blood clot lay dormant?

While some clots may lay dormant and undiagnosed for years, even decades, there are still ways to reduce your risk of developing clots. They include maintaining a healthy lifestyle – that includes avoiding fatty and processed foods, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep.

What are the chances of surviving a blood clot?

10% – 30% of people will die within one month of diagnosis. Among people who have had a DVT, one third to one half will have long-term complications (post-thrombotic syndrome) such as swelling, pain, discoloration, and scaling in the affected limb.

How does a blood clot feel?

A blood clot in a leg vein may cause pain, warmth and tenderness in the affected area. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.

What is the average age for blood clots?

Blood clots become more common as people get older, especially when they are over age 65. Long hospital stays, surgeries and trauma may significantly increase your risk of blood clots. Other factors can increase your risk to a lesser degree.

Can you diagnose a blood clot at home?

DVT Symptoms To Be Aware Of

Changes in the color of the affected leg - typically to a blue or purple shade. A warm feeling of the skin on the affected limb. Leg tenderness or pain. Tired or restless leg that doesn't appear to go away.

What are the first signs of a blood clot in the leg?

Does a blood clot in leg hurt all the time?

Does blood clot pain come and go? Unlike the pain from a charley horse that usually goes away after stretching or with rest, the pain from a blood clot does not go away and usually gets worse with time.

Do blood clots show up on xray?

Blood clots do not show up on an X-ray, but it can see other things such as fluid or pneumonia on the lungs that can explain your symptoms. A normal chest X-ray with unexplained low blood oxygen level, increases the suspicion that you have a pulmonary embolism.

How long can a lung blood clot go undetected?

Symptoms from a pulmonary embolism, like shortness of breath or mild pain or pressure in your chest, can linger 6 weeks or more. You might notice them when you're active or even when you take a deep breath. Exercise can help with this.

What are 3 signs and symptoms associated with a pulmonary embolism?

What does a blood clot feel like lungs?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lungs. Usually these clots form in the legs, break off and travel through the blood vessels, then get stuck in the lungs. Common symptoms of a PE are chest pain (particularly during a deep breath), shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and a fast heart rate.

What does a mini blood clot feel like?

It can cause pain, swelling, and red or dark, tender skin. The area around the blood clot may feel tight or sore like you have a muscle cramp or charley horse. Unfortunately, these symptoms of a blood clot can be confused with other conditions, including muscle pain and muscle injury.