Some people recover from a blood clot with few complications within a short number of weeks- others have a longer recovery. Sometimes blood clots can cause problems that affect you for life. You may have:
- Long-term problems with breathing
- A higher chance of getting another clot
- Swelling that will not go away
- Sores or wounds that will not heal
Here you can read more about two possible long term conditions from a blood clot named Post Thrombotic Syndrome and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension.
Be aware of (Post thrombotic syndrome) if you have had a blood clot
Post thrombotic syndrome is a condition developed after (post) a blood clot (thrombotic).
is a consequence of permanent injury to your veins and / or the valves inside the veins. Symptoms from usually occur within the first 6 months but can occur several years after the blood clot.
Chronic symptoms of can include:
- Swelling
- Pain and discoloration of the skin of the affected leg or arm
- In severe cases, the skin can break and create open sores (ulcers). These ulcers have difficulty healing and it can require a substantial amount of care to treat the wounds and prevent infection
If you have been diagnosed with a , talk to your healthcare professional about possible risk factors for developing as well as signs, symptoms and preventive measures for .
If you have developed your doctor can help with pain management tailored to your needs, referral to a vein or wound care specialist as well as psychological support.
The connection between blood clots and (Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension)
Blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism, ) often completely dissolve within weeks or months and the symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain disappear. Many people return to their normal self, others adjust to residual symptoms as shortness of breath and others experience chronic damage. If the damage is severe, it is referred to as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension ().
When blood clots do not fully dissolve they develop into scar tissue. This obstructs the normal blood flow in the lung. The right side of the heart, which pumps blood into the vessels of the lung has to pump against this resistance. This puts a strain on the heart and over time results in right heart failure.
typically occurs within the first couple of years after a and occurs in a minor part of patients with . The symptoms are usually:
- Shortness of breath which typically worsens with exercise (or never resolved after the incident).
Additional symptoms that can be experienced, such as:
- Chest pain
- Light headedness or fainting
Symptoms of right heart failure such as the following, may develop over time:
- Swelling of both ankles or
- Swelling of an entire leg
“If your symptoms cease to improve after your or you reach an impaired functional level, talk to your healthcare professional”.
If you have developed your physician may recommend a surgical procedure to remove the blockage. This type of surgery is highly specialized and should only be performed by an experienced team.
If you are not deemed a candidate for the above mentioned surgery, you may be prescribed different classes of drugs used for other types of increased blood pressure in the lungs.
Having persistent symptoms, experiencing pain or coping with the emotional distress can be difficult to handle. It can be difficult to resume your normal life after a blood clot but you are not alone. There are a number of resources and organizations out there which can be of help to you. Some of these are mentioned here below:
These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by LEO Pharma of any of services or opinions of the corporation or organization. LEO Pharma bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
MAT 50159 Last approved September 2022
