Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Cough that produces bloody sputum
- A fast heartbeat
- Lightheadedness
- Difficult or painful breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Pain extending to your shoulder, arm, back or jaw
- Sudden weakness or numbness of your face, arm or leg
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia)
- Sudden changes in your vision
Consult your doctor if you develop these signs or symptoms in an area on an arm or leg:
Self-care measures
To reduce your risk of developing blood clots, try these tips:
- Avoid sitting for long periods. If you travel by airplane, walk the aisle periodically. For long car trips, stop and walk around frequently.
- Move. After you've had surgery or been on bed rest, the sooner you get up and move around, the better.
- Drink plenty of fluids when traveling. Dehydration can contribute to the development of blood clots.
- Change your lifestyle. Lose weight, lower high blood pressure, stop smoking and exercise regularly.
Feb. 25, 2021
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