Recognising blood clot symptoms could save lives
On World Thrombosis Day, the HSE urges the public to understand blood clot risks and spot warning signs early. Awareness is especially vital in hospitals, pregnancy, and postnatal periods to prevent life-threatening complications nationwide.
Source:
HSE — Health Service Executive
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⏱️ 2 min read
Today, the Health Service Executive (HSE) highlights the critical importance of recognising blood clots, a condition that can affect anyone at any time and poses serious health risks. Blood clots, medically known as thrombosis, occur when a clot obstructs blood flow in vessels, potentially causing life-threatening complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). These conditions are collectively referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Dr Denis O’Keeffe, Clinical Lead for the National Clinical Programme for VTE and Consultant Haematologist at University Hospital Limerick, emphasises the need for public vigilance: "More than 60% of blood clots develop during or within 90 days after a hospital stay. Other high-risk periods include pregnancy, the six weeks postpartum, cancer, and when the lower leg is immobilised. However, clots can occur suddenly in anyone." He urges people to learn the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention to prevent fatal outcomes.
This year’s World Thrombosis Day focuses on women’s health, acknowledging how clot risks fluctuate throughout different life stages such as pregnancy and menopause. The HSE is committed to raising awareness among healthcare providers and women to ensure early detection and evidence-based prevention. Recognising symptoms like leg swelling, pain, breathlessness, or chest pain, and acting quickly, can save lives. Detailed information and guidance are available through official health resources for those seeking to understand and manage their personal risk.
Dr Denis O’Keeffe, Clinical Lead for the National Clinical Programme for VTE and Consultant Haematologist at University Hospital Limerick, emphasises the need for public vigilance: "More than 60% of blood clots develop during or within 90 days after a hospital stay. Other high-risk periods include pregnancy, the six weeks postpartum, cancer, and when the lower leg is immobilised. However, clots can occur suddenly in anyone." He urges people to learn the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention to prevent fatal outcomes.
This year’s World Thrombosis Day focuses on women’s health, acknowledging how clot risks fluctuate throughout different life stages such as pregnancy and menopause. The HSE is committed to raising awareness among healthcare providers and women to ensure early detection and evidence-based prevention. Recognising symptoms like leg swelling, pain, breathlessness, or chest pain, and acting quickly, can save lives. Detailed information and guidance are available through official health resources for those seeking to understand and manage their personal risk.
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