Taking a trip to the emergency department (ED) is stressful and potentially costly – but it can be lifesaving. For patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), it’s especially important to receive treatment in a timely manner.
When should you go to the ED?
If you suspect that you have a blood clot or experience any of the signs and symptoms, you should consider going to the ED.
Signs of DVT include:
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet
- Discomfort, heaviness, pain, aching, throbbing, itching, or warmth in the legs
- Skin changes in the leg such as discoloration, thickening, or ulceration
Signs of PE include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
What can you expect in the ED?
While every patient’s ED trip will be different, there are a several things that you can expect when you visit. First, a medical professional will take your health and medication history. The doctor treating you will need to know what medications you take and how often. This information is especially important if you end up at an ED away from your home, in another state, etc. After discussing your medical history, the doctor will examine you and may ask some more detailed questions about your symptoms. Imaging is typically the next step after the physical exam. An ultrasound is the most common diagnostic test for DVT and uses sound waves to create a picture of the arteries and veins in the leg. Doctors also can order a blood test known as the D-dimer test. Computed tomography (CT) scans are typically used to diagnose PE.
While you’re in the ED, you may be seen by multiple healthcare providers along the way, including doctors, nurses, and physician assistants. If you visit a large teaching hospital, you may also be seen by clinicians in training. All of these medical professionals are a resource for you. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions in the emergency room,” says Dr. Jeremiah Schuur, Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. “Since you may see multiple providers, it’s a good idea to ask questions or clarify things to make sure you understand what the doctor is considering and what the plan is.”
Will you be admitted to the hospital or sent home?
If a DVT is confirmed, you may be discharged and sent home with injectable or oral anticoagulant medication (sometimes called a blood thinner). That said, every patient is different, and you may be admitted to the hospital if the ER doctor believes it’s necessary.
Some patients with PE may also be sent home, according to Dr. Schuur, although the majority will be admitted. Studies have shown that it’s safe for certain patients to be discharged, such as those with a small PE and no other health risks. (This discharge practice is more common in Europe than in the U.S.) It’s safest to assume that you’ll be admitted to the hospital for treatment if you have a PE.
If I’m sent home, what do I do after my ED visit?
After your visit to the ED, it’s important to follow up with your primary care provider (PCP) within the next several days. Your PCP can help guide the next phase of your treatment and may refer you to a doctor who specializes in cardiovascular disease.
The bottom line
Take your symptoms seriously. The ED is there to help you in times of need. It’s always better to make the trip and have a blood clot ruled out than to stay home and potentially have complications.
Up to 900,000 people in the United States are affected by blood clots
each year.
About half of all blood clots occur during a hospital stay or within 3 months of a hospital stay or surgery.
Roughly 1 out of 10 hospital deaths are related to blood clots in the lung.
Don’t let that one person be you.
Heading to the Hospital?
Get Better. Don’t Get a Blood Clot.
Get Better. Don’t Get a Blood Clot.
Spending time in the hospital is always a challenge and requires that you seek the best care. The last thing you need is another health problem or setback on your road to recovery.
It is important to know that being in the hospital places you at increased risk for the development of a deadly blood clot, particularly if you are dealing with surgery, a physical trauma, or a serious illness like cancer.
Blood clots occur most often in the legs or arms.
A blood clot in your leg or arm can travel to your lungs, which can be deadly.
Get the Facts
Click on the image to view and share an infographic about blood clots and hospitalization, surgery, and physical trauma.
Watch this
short video to learn how hospitalization can put you at risk for a deadly blood clot.
PHYSICAL
TRAUMA
Injury to a vein that may be caused by a broken bone, muscle injury, or other serious injury to the body.
SURGERY
Major surgery, particularly of the pelvis, abdomen, hip, or knee.
IMMOBILITY
Confined to a bed or wheelchair for long periods of time due to a hospital stay, injury, or illness.
OTHER FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK FOR BLOOD CLOTS INCLUDE
• Pregnancy • Cancer and its treatment • Personal or family history of blood clots • Birth control or hormone therapy with estrogen
• Smoking • Overweight • Age 55 or older • Long-term diseases such as heart and lung conditions, or diabetes
Heading to the Hospital?
Know Your Risks
Click on the image below to download a list of factors that can help you and your doctor determine your blood clot risk.
Have a Plan
Blood clots can be prevented.
They are a leading cause of
preventable hospital death in the United States.
Make sure all of your doctors know your risk for blood clots and ask for a prevention plan.
They are a leading cause of preventable hospital death in the United States.
Make sure all of your doctors know your risk for blood clots and ask for a prevention plan.
You may still be at risk for a blood clot for 90 days after you leave the hospital.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the signs or symptoms of a blood clot.
SYMPTOMS OF A BLOOD CLOT
IN THE ARM OR LEG MAY INCLUDE
IN THE ARM OR LEG MAY INCLUDE
– Swelling –
– Pain or tenderness not caused by injury –
– Skin that is warm to the touch –
– Redness or discoloration of the skin –
– Pain or tenderness not caused by injury –
– Skin that is warm to the touch –
– Redness or discoloration of the skin –
If you have these signs or symptoms, alert your doctor as soon as possible.
SYMPTOMS OF A BLOOD CLOT
IN THE LUNG MAY INCLUDE
IN THE LUNG MAY INCLUDE
– Difficulty breathing –
– Chest pain that worsens with a deep
breath –
– Coughing, coughing up blood –
– Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat –
– Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath –
– Coughing, coughing up blood –
– Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat –
Seek immediate attention if you experience these signs or symptoms.
Stop the Clot, Spread the Word®
The National Blood Clot Alliance and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working on this important public health campaign to get the word out about blood clot risks and the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
You can be an important part of this education campaign by helping us
SPREAD THE WORD®
Please Share This Page
Other Campaign Items to Share
Prevention Plan Checklist
Hospitalization Risks
Hospital/Surgery/Trauma Video
For more information about blood clots, visit:
The information and
materials on this site are provided for general information purposes only. You should not rely on the information provided as a substitute for actual professional medical advice, care, or treatment. This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any individual. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Stop the Clot, Spread the Word® is a public education campaign made possible by funding provided to the National Blood Clot Alliance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under Cooperative Agreement number 1U27DD001153-02.
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