Blood clots are a natural part of the body’s healing process. However, when they form inappropriately, they can lead to serious health issues, including fatigue. While fatigue has many causes, understanding its possible connection to blood clots is important for recognizing when medical attention might be needed.
What are Blood Clots?
A blood clot, medically known as a thrombus, is a gel-like mass of blood cells and proteins that forms in blood vessels. The body forms clots to stop bleeding, for example, after an injury or surgery, by sealing off damaged blood vessels. Platelets and a protein called fibrin work together to create this seal. Normally, these clots dissolve naturally once the injury has healed.
However, clots can form when not needed or fail to dissolve, blocking blood flow and leading to serious conditions depending on their location. Clots commonly form in veins, a condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). This includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT), often in the leg, or a pulmonary embolism (PE) if the clot travels to the lungs. Clots can also form in arteries, potentially causing heart attacks or strokes.
How Blood Clots Can Cause Fatigue
Blood clots can contribute to fatigue through several mechanisms, particularly when they lead to reduced oxygen delivery or trigger systemic responses. A pulmonary embolism (PE), for instance, can obstruct blood flow to the lungs, impairing their ability to take in oxygen. This reduced oxygen exchange means less oxygen-rich blood circulates to the body’s tissues and organs, leading to exhaustion as cells struggle to function without adequate oxygen.
The body’s immune system responds to a blood clot by initiating an inflammatory process. This systemic inflammation consumes significant energy, contributing to widespread fatigue. The heart and lungs may also work harder to compensate for impaired blood flow or reduced oxygen levels, leading to increased strain and exhaustion. The body also expends energy to break down or reabsorb the clot, contributing to weariness.
Other Signs to Watch For
While fatigue can be a symptom, blood clots often present with other specific signs that warrant immediate attention. For deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in an arm or leg, common symptoms include swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, and redness. The skin over the clot may also appear discolored, sometimes reddish or purplish.
If a blood clot travels to the lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism (PE), symptoms can be more severe. These include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing, a rapid heart rate, and sometimes a cough that may produce blood. Dizziness or lightheadedness can also occur. Recognizing these additional symptoms alongside fatigue is important, as they signal a medical emergency.
Seeking Medical Help
If you experience fatigue accompanied by any specific blood clot symptoms, such as sudden swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in a limb, or symptoms like sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention. Blood clots are serious medical conditions requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening complications. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to severe health consequences. A healthcare provider can properly evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action.