When to see a doctor

Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Cough that produces bloody sputum
• A fast heartbeat
• Lightheadedness
• Difficult or painful breathing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Pain extending to your shoulder, arm, back or jaw
• Sudden weakness or numbness of your face, arm or leg
• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia)
• Sudden changes in your vision

Consult your doctor if you develop these signs or symptoms in an area on an arm or leg:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain

Self-care measures

To reduce your risk of developing blood clots, try these tips:

• Avoid sitting for long periods. If you travel by airplane, walk the aisle periodically. For long car trips, stop and walk around frequently.
• Move. After you've had surgery or been on bed rest, the sooner you get up and move around, the better.
• Drink plenty of fluids when traveling. Dehydration can contribute to the development of blood clots.
• Change your lifestyle. Lose weight, lower high blood pressure, stop smoking and exercise regularly.