A blood clot—medically termed thrombosis—isn’t just a health concern. It’s a medical emergency in the making. While clotting is essential to stop bleeding after an injury, an abnormal clot forming inside a vein or artery can silently travel, block critical blood flow, and trigger life-threatening events like pulmonary embolism (PE) or stroke.

The good news? Your body often sends clear, early warnings—if you know what to look for. Recognizing these signs and acting swiftly can be the difference between full recovery and permanent damage… or worse.

🩺 What Is a Blood Clot—and Why It Matters
Blood clots form when platelets and fibrin (a protein) clump together to seal a wound. But when they develop without injury—often due to prolonged immobility, surgery, genetic conditions, or certain medications—they become dangerous.

Two primary types: