A persistent, unexplained cough, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, or chest pain, could be a sign of PE. “The cough will be dry, but sometimes people can cough up mucus and/or blood,” notes Dr. Navarro. At that point, if you aren’t already headed to the emergency room, you should be. According to Dr. Thomas Maldonado, a vascular surgeon at NYU Langone Medical Center, chest pain that feels worse with each breath and a sudden rapid heart rate are common indicators of a PE.
7. Racing Heart and Feeling Faint
When a blood clot hits your lungs, your heart rate may increase to compensate for the reduced oxygen levels. “Feeling a flutter in your chest and having trouble with deep breaths could be your body sending out an SOS that you’ve got a PE lurking in your lungs,” says Dr. George P. Teitelbaum. Additionally, lightheadedness or fainting may occur due to changes in blood flow and oxygenation. Dr. Lewis Nelson from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School adds, “The lightheadedness is due in part to the chemical released from the lungs, changes in oxygenation of the blood, and in the blood pressure and heart rate”.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of blood clots is vital for timely treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, seek medical attention immediately. Blood clots are serious and can lead to fatal conditions if left untreated.
