Blood clotting or coagulation is an important bodily process that helps prevent excessive bleeding after an injury. It is a natural and crucial function of the body. But sometimes, the blood clotting can be abnormal, leading to various health issues. These complications point to blood clotting disorders caused by many factors, such as an underlying health condition, genetics, or certain treatments. Some early warning signs of such disorders are listed below.

Inflammation and pain
A common sign of blood clotting disorder is pain and swelling in the affected area. It could be anywhere in the body – the legs, arms, or other parts like the chest and abdomen. The skin may be discolored or appear red in the affected area and feel warm to the touch.

Shortness of breath
Since blood clotting may easily affect blood flow, one might experience shortness of breath. Besides, if the clotting forms in the lungs, it can lead to a severe condition called pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated immediately. Therefore, one should always be careful of sudden breathing issues or even those that develop gradually.

Pain in chest
If shortness of breath is also accompanied by pain in the chest, it could be a sign of a blood clotting disorder. It could indicate a blood clot in the lungs or even point to a heart attack triggered by a blood clot. One should not take chest pains lightly and get a diagnosis to rule out the risks of any severe health condition.

Headaches
In some cases, headaches can point to a blood clotting disorder. It is often easy to miss this symptom as it overlaps with tension headaches or migraines. However, if there is a blood clot in the brain, it could lead to a stroke that can lead to other health complications like vision problems, difficulty speaking or comprehending speech, numbness on one side of the body, and weakness.

Abdominal discomfort
When abdominal pain is accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, it is likely a sign of a blood clotting disorder. It could indicate that there is a blood clot in the veins of the abdomen. This condition is called mesenteric ischemia and necessitates immediate attention from a health professional.

Unusual bleeding
It can be bleeding from the gums, frequent nosebleeds, or heavy menstrual bleeding. Though various other health complications share these symptoms, it is abnormal and demands a health expert’s intervention. One may also notice some red spots on the skin, which could indicate bleeding under the skin.

Dizziness
When accompanied by other signs and symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain, dizziness can be a sign of blood clotting in the brain. Blood clots can lead to a low blood supply to body parts like the brain. If the brain does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, it can make a person feel light-headed, leading to dizziness. It may also be an early sign of the onset of a stroke due to a blood clot.

These blood clotting signs mentioned above should not be ignored, as they may indicate the onset of certain health conditions, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). This rare disease involves the blockage of blood flow to body organs due to formation of blood clots in small blood vessels or thromboses. The onset of TTP results in low platelet count, together with symptoms like pale skin, extreme fatigue, and fever. Treatment options like CABLIVI are prescribed to patients with blood clotting and TTP to manage symptoms and reduce clotting. Early diagnosis of TTP can help patients seek timely intervention for the condition.