When a blood vessel breaks or “pops,” blood can leak out, leading to various signs and symptoms. Understanding these indicators is important for recognizing when a ruptured blood vessel might be a minor issue or a more serious concern requiring medical attention.
Visible Signs
One of the most recognizable signs of a ruptured blood vessel is bruising, medically known as ecchymosis. This occurs when blood leaks from damaged vessels into the surrounding tissues, causing discoloration on the skin’s surface. A bruise typically starts as red or purple, then evolves through shades of blue, black, green, and yellow as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the pooled blood over several days to weeks.
Smaller, pinpoint red or purple spots, known as petechiae, indicate very tiny capillary ruptures. These flat spots, usually less than 2 millimeters in diameter, do not change color when pressed and often appear in clusters on the skin, or sometimes in the lining of the mouth or eyelids. Petechiae can result from straining, such as from severe coughing, vomiting, or heavy lifting, but they can also be a sign of certain medical conditions. When these spots are larger, typically between 4 and 10 millimeters, they are referred to as purpura, suggesting more extensive bleeding beneath the skin.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is another visible sign, appearing as a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. This occurs when a small blood vessel breaks just beneath the conjunctiva, the clear surface of the eye. This type of rupture usually causes no pain, vision changes, or discharge, and it typically resolves on its own within one to two weeks as the blood is reabsorbed.
Internal Ruptures
Beyond visible external signs, a ruptured blood vessel can also lead to internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent and often indicates a more serious condition. Localized pain and swelling are common indicators, especially if they are severe, sudden, or disproportionate to any obvious injury. Pain may occur in various regions, such as the abdomen or chest, depending on the site of the bleeding.
Changes in skin appearance, distinct from bruising, can also signal significant blood loss. Pallor, an unusual paleness of the skin, or skin that feels cold and clammy, may suggest that the body is going into shock due to reduced blood volume. An altered mental status, including symptoms like dizziness, confusion, weakness, or fainting, can occur if severe internal bleeding affects blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
The presence of blood in bodily fluids is a clear and concerning sign of internal organ bleeding. This can manifest as blood in the urine, known as hematuria, or blood in the stool, which may appear black and tarry (melena) if from the upper gastrointestinal tract, or bright red (hematochezia) if from the lower tract. Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) or vomiting blood (hematemesis) are also important indicators of internal bleeding. A rapid heart rate combined with low blood pressure can indicate that the body is attempting to compensate for substantial blood loss, as the heart works harder to circulate the remaining blood.
Common Causes
Blood vessels can rupture for a variety of reasons, ranging from direct physical impact to underlying medical conditions. Trauma or injury, such as from blunt force, cuts, or impacts, is a frequent cause, leading to blood vessels breaking and bleeding beneath the skin’s surface. Vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries are common scenarios that can result in such damage.
Increased pressure within the body can also cause vessels to rupture, particularly smaller capillaries. This can occur during intense straining activities like severe coughing, sneezing, heavy lifting, or childbirth. High blood pressure can also contribute to this risk, as can severe vomiting.
Certain medical conditions weaken blood vessel walls or interfere with blood clotting. Examples include aneurysms, which are bulges in weakened artery walls that can rupture, and vasculitis, which involves inflammation of blood vessels. Conditions that affect the blood’s ability to clot, such as hemophilia or the use of anticoagulant medications, also increase the likelihood of bleeding and vessel rupture. As individuals age, blood vessels can naturally become more fragile, making them more susceptible to damage and rupture.
When to Seek Medical Care
Knowing when to seek medical attention for a ruptured blood vessel is important. Immediate emergency medical care is necessary if signs of serious internal bleeding are present, such as severe pain, large or rapidly expanding bruising, or any changes in mental status like confusion or loss of consciousness.
Other red flags for emergency care include blood in bodily fluids (urine, stool, vomit, or coughed-up blood), or symptoms of shock like cold, clammy skin and a rapid, weak pulse. A head injury accompanied by any of these signs also warrants urgent medical evaluation.
For less urgent situations, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This includes experiencing recurrent or unexplained bruising, persistent petechiae, or bruising that does not heal within a typical timeframe of two weeks. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications should also seek medical advice if they experience any signs of a ruptured blood vessel, as these medications can exacerbate bleeding. While minor visible ruptures, such as small bruises or a subconjunctival hemorrhage, often resolve on their own, monitoring their progression is important.