Covid-19 infection raises the risk of life-threatening blood clots

Table of Content

• Understanding Blood Clots: What are they and how does it form?

• The link between Covid-19 and Blood Clots: What Research Says

• Risk Factors to Consider in Covid-19 associated Blood Clots

• Common Symptoms of Blood Clots in Covid-19 Patients

• Complications of Covid-19-related Blood Clots: How Serious is it?

• Diagnosis and Treatment of Covid-19-related Blood Clots

• Preventing Covid-19-related Blood Clots

• When to See a Doctor

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Covid-19 infection raises the risk of life-threatening blood clots

Introduction

Are you worried about the link between Covid-19 and life-threatening blood clots? If yes, you're not alone. Recent research has proved a correlation between these two, but the good news is that there are measures you can take for protection.

In this article, we'll try to find the factors which are responsible for Covid-19-related blood clots, common signs and symptoms to look out for, and the best practices for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention which physicians use.

Some key points that we will cover are:

• Understanding the blood clot formation 

• The relation between Covid-19 and blood clots

• Risk factors for Covid-19-related blood clots

• Common signs and symptoms to look out for

• Complications related to Covid-19 blood clots

• Options for diagnosis and treatment 

• Preventable practices

Understanding Blood Clots: What are they and how does it form?

Blood clots are an important component of the body's defence mechanism, occurring in response to damage or injury to the vessels of blood. They help in the prevention of excessive bleeding but can also lead to severe health complications if formed at the wrong place or time. 

Some important points that you need to know about blood clots:

• Blood clots are the masses that are formed from the fibrin named substance.

• They form due to injury or damage to the walls of blood vessels.

• Various components are involved in the process of blood clotting, including platelets, and clotting factors.

• Formation of blood clot in the arteries can lead to heart attacks or strokes depending on the organ, if these are formed in veins can result in deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism if cause obstruction in lings.

• Some risk factors that can enhance the chances of blood clot formation are smoking, alcohol, increase age obesity, and certain medical conditions like pregnancy, cancer etc.

• Physicians decide the treatment of blood clots depending on the location and severity of the clot. It may associate with blood-thinning medications, catheter-directed thrombolysis, or surgery.

The link between Covid-19 and Blood Clots: What Research Says

Recent research has highlighted a link between Covid-19 and an increased risk of life-threatening blood clots. Let's see what the research says regarding this relationship.

• Covid-19 and Blood Clots: Recent Research suggested that clots reported in COVID-19 patients may be due to the binding of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 with the ACE2 receptor expressed in the endothelial cells of blood vessels which may cause, vasoconstriction and activation of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and eventually results in the formation of blood clots. 

• Inflammation and Blood Clots: Studies shows that there is a link between Covid-19 and blood clot formation may be due to the generation of an inflammatory effect by our body against the virus, which can cause a hypercoagulable state or an increased chances of clot formation.

• Endothelial Dysfunction: Covid-19 can also cause damage to the blood vessels by damaging the endothelial cells which line it from the inside which can further increase the risk of blood clots.

Risk Factors to Consider in Covid-19 associated Blood Clots

Some people are more prone to covid 19 associated blood clots. Risk factors include:

• Age: With age, the risk of blood clots increases and older adults are more likely to develop severe cases of Covid-19.

• Obesity: Obesity is not only a risk factor for covid 19 associated blood clots but also other coronary heart diseases. 

• Smoking: The risk of blood clot formation is higher in smoker as compared to non-smokers. Smoking causes inflammation which leads to damage to blood vessels.

• Medical Conditions: Medical conditions like cancer, myocardial infraction and type 2 diabetes mellitus etc, can increase the risk of clot formation.

• Immobility: Immobility for a long duration such as during hospitalisation, can increase the risk of blood clots. Patients who are bedridden or on mechanical ventilation and also have covid-19 may be at a greater risk of developing blood clots.

Common Symptoms of Blood Clots in Covid-19 Patients

Blood clots can cause a range of symptoms in Covid-19 patients. It's very important to understand and know these symptoms because early medical attention can help prevent any complications. 

Here are some common symptoms of blood clots in Covid-19 patients:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected area (usually the legs)

• Pain or tenderness in the affected area

• Skin discolouration or a blue or purple hue in the affected area

• Headache or vision changes

• Confusion or changes in mental status

Complications of Covid-19-related Blood Clots: How Serious is it?

Covid-19 patients who develop blood clots are at risk of serious complications. Among all the blood coots few of them may be life-threatening. The given below are some of the complications of Covid-19-related blood clots to be aware of:

• Pulmonary embolism: The blockage of the lungs’ blood vessels due to the lodgement of a clot leads to difficulty breathing, chest pain, and even death in severe cases.

• Stroke: Formation of blood clots in the blood vessels of the brain can lead to injury to brain tissue and ultimately leading to death.

• Heart attack:  A heart attack can occur if the clot lodges in the coronary artery which can lead to permanent heart damage or death.

• Organ damage: Blood clots can block blood flow to organs, leading to organ damage or failure.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Covid-19-related Blood Clots

Blood clots can be a serious complication of Covid-19, but early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent life-threatening complications.

Some useful things to know regarding the diagnosis and treatment modalities of Covid-19-related blood clots:

Diagnosis

• Physicians use imaging techniques, such as MRI, CT Scan, ultrasound etc to reach a diagnosis.

• Blood tests may also be done to evaluate for certain proteins(like D-dimer)that indicate the presence of blood clots.

Treatment

• Blood thinners(drugs like heparin and warfarin) are used by physicians for the treatment of Covid-19-related blood clots.

• According to the severity of the blood clot, Your doctor may advise blood thinners for several months or even longer.

• Physicians can use some other procedures like thrombolytic therapy or catheter-based interventions.

Preventing Covid-19-related Blood Clots

While Covid-19-related blood clots can be serious, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

For preventing Covid-19-related blood clots, some of the practices are given below:

• Get vaccinated: The risk of severe illness and hospitalisation, including blood clots has been significantly reduced by covid-19 vaccination.

• Stay active: Physical activity can help prevent blood clots by improving blood flow. 30 minutes of moderate exercises, such as walking, running slowly or cycling most days of the week should be the target to prevent blood clots.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking more amount of water helps in preventing clot formation.

• Quit smoking: Smoking damages the endothelial cells of blood vessels leading to a greater chance of clot formation. Stopping smoking or decreasing the frequency can reduce your risk of blood clots and other health problems.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight is one of the main risk factors. Maintaining a healthy weight by doing regular exercise and a balanced diet with hygienic conditions can further help reduce this risk.

• Follow medical advice: If you have Covid-19 or have a history of blood clots, follow your doctor's advice closely. This may include taking medication or using compression stockings.

When to See a Doctor

You should get medical treatment, if you are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot, such as chest pain, or difficulty in breathing.

If you have recently recovered from COVID-19 or have a higher risk of blood clots, discuss with your healthcare provider about preventive measures.

Take-Home Points

• COVID-19 infection can increase the risk of life-threatening blood clots, which can lead to serious complications.

• Blood clots can form or travel in various parts of the body, including the lungs, legs, coronary arteries and brain.

• Development of blood clots in covid 19 patients include advanced age, obesity, smoking, and underlying medical conditions.

• Symptoms of blood clots in COVID-19 patients include shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, and neurological symptoms.

• COVID-19-related blood clots can get complicated as can lead to stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism.

• Diagnosing tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs are typically involved in the diagnosis of blood clots.

• It can be treated by anticoagulant, thrombolytic drugs and may require surgical management in severe conditions.

• Best practices for preventing COVID-19-related blood clots include staying active, staying hydrated, and following COVID-19 prevention guidelines such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated.