NHS alert to ‘call 111’ if you spot symptom in just one leg

The NHS has urged people to « call 111 » if they experience a potentially serious symptom in just one leg, as this could signal a blood clot capable of causing strokes, heart attacks, and other life-threatening conditions.

While blood clotting is essential for stopping excessive bleeding from wounds, clots that fail to dissolve naturally can result in dangerous complications by blocking blood flow around the body.

« Blood clots can be very serious and need to be treated quickly, » the NHS warns on its website. Most commonly, a blood clot will initially develop in a vein within the leg or arm.

This is referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). One telltale sign of DVT is a throbbing sensation in one leg.

This pain typically presents itself in the calf or thigh region, especially during walking or standing. The NHS emphasises this « rarely » affects both legs at once.

Further DVT symptoms in the leg include:

• Swelling in one leg (rarely both legs)
• Warm skin around the painful area
• Red or darkened skin around the painful area – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin
• Swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them

The NHS explains: « These symptoms can also happen in your arm or tummy if that’s where the blood clot is. »

To minimise the risk of the clot leading to something more serious, the NHS advises to « ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 » if you believe you might have DVT. The NHS has issued an urgent warning about the serious dangers posed by blood clots, particularly when they migrate to critical organs such as the brain or lungs.

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Anyone experiencing signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), including pain and swelling combined with breathlessness and chest discomfort, is urged to dial 999 or head to A&E immediately.

Such symptoms may signal a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening emergency requiring urgent medical intervention. The NHS stresses: « DVT can be very serious because blood clots can travel to your lungs.

« This is called a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and needs treatment straight away. »

If you display these warning signs, it’s vital not to attempt driving yourself to hospital. The NHS recommends: « Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. »

Causes of blood clots

Various factors can heighten your likelihood of developing a blood clot, including being aged over 60, carrying excess weight, smoking, having a history of DVT, taking contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy, living with cancer or heart failure, or having varicose veins. Certain factors can also increase your risk of developing DVT.

These include being hospitalised or recently discharged – particularly if you have reduced mobility following an operation, being confined to bed, embarking on lengthy journeys (exceeding three hours) by aeroplane, car or train, being pregnant or having delivered a baby within the previous six weeks, or experiencing dehydration.

However, DVT can occasionally occur for « no obvious reason ».

How to lower your risk

There are measures you can adopt to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Keeping active – regular walking can be beneficial
• Staying adequately hydrated to prevent dehydration – DVT is more probable if you’re dehydrated.
• Avoiding prolonged periods of immobility – attempt to get up and move around every hour or so
• Refraining from crossing your legs whilst seated
• Steering clear of smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption

If you are diagnosed with a blood clot, you may be prescribed anticoagulant medication such as warfarin. Surgical intervention might also be required to remove or prevent blood clots from developing.