ETC
health journal
The silent health risk of COVID-19: Five facts to know about blood clots BRANDPOINT
C
OVID-19 is associated with many complications, but one that many people are not as aware of are blood clots. According to a recent study, between 25% to 49% of patients with severe COVID-19 also experience blood clots, with blood clots in the lungs being the most common condition. These blood clots can be limb- and life-threatening. Jeremy Sipe, a 52-year-old avid runner, knew something was wrong when he was experiencing shortness of breath after a few steps on the treadmill. He tried again later in the day and the same thing happened - he was out of breath after just a couple of seconds. He called his doctor immediately and ended up in the hospital diagnosed with a
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blood clot in his lung, also known as a pulmonary embolism. “Jeremy’s clot could have been life threatening,” said Dr. George Chrysant, interventional cardiologist at INTEGRIS Baptist in Oklahoma City, OK. “It is important to recognize the signs of blood clots, especially pulmonary embolisms, because when they are diagnosed and treated quickly, complications decrease dramatically.” Blood clots are often overlooked and misunderstood. The following are a few things to know about blood clots. RISK FACTORS FOR BLOOD CLOTS Blood clots can affect anyone at any age, but there are factors that can increase risk, like
surgery, hospitalization, pregnancy, cancer, and family history. Studies have shown an increased chance of suffering a blood clot during the COVID-19 pandemic, both among those who have the virus and those with more sedentary lifestyles due to shutdowns and working from home. SYMPTOMS OF BLOOD CLOTS A blood clot in your arm or leg can cause swelling and pain. It may be tender, red, or warm to the touch. A blood clot in the lung can cause difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, chest pain and coughing up blood, according to the American Lung Association.
