If you have just gone through surgery, or if you have one of numerous medical conditions or other factors, you might be at risk of developing a life-threatening blood clot. For Massachusetts residents, this situation can be dire if a doctor fails to detect a blood clot before it breaks free and travels to a part of the body where it might be fatal.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three main types of blood clots that might threaten your life, which include the following:
- Deep-vein thrombosis in the legs, which may travel to the lungs
- A blood clot in the neck or a heart chamber, which could go to the brain and cause a stroke
- Clots in an artery of the heart, which may cause a heart attack
Your risk for blood clots may be caused by certain medical conditions or medications, as well as having a family history of clots, high blood pressure or weight problems. You might also be at risk for clotting if you sit for long periods or are on bed rest, are pregnant or smoke. Quitting the habit, losing weight and controlling blood pressure are some ways you might reduce your risk of developing a fatal blood clot. If you sit for long periods of time, it may help to stand and walk around frequently, including during a car or airplane trip.
The content in this blog post, while intended to be helpful, should not be substituted for the advice of a lawyer.
