Blood clots can be serious and need to be treated quickly. Some blood clots can happen with few symptoms or none at all, but there are some common symptoms that can indicate the presence of a blood clot. The symptoms of a blood clot can vary depending on where the clot is located. Here are some common symptoms of a blood clot:

Symptoms of a blood clot in the leg or arm (deep vein thrombosis or DVT):

• Swelling, usually in one leg or arm
• Leg or arm pain or tenderness often described as a cramp or charley horse
• Reddish or bluish skin discoloration
• Leg or arm warm to touch

Symptoms of a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism or PE):

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain that’s sharp and stabbing; may get worse with deep breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus

If you develop symptoms of a blood clot, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you experience symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, seek emergency medical help right away.