Skip to main content

Can Covid Infection Cause Blood Clots

  As we learn more about COVID-19 infection, venous blood clotting  (venous thromboembolism)  is a serious risk, particularly for those patients with severe disease and end up in the hospital. Dangerous clotting of arteries has been also seen in the severely ill.  It has already been established for a long time that hospitalized patients are prone to deep venous thrombosis (DVT)  and progress has been made in prevention with anticoagulation and pneumatic compression sleeves on the legs. Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated increased rates of DVT in COVID-19 patients. A paper that looked at existing studies identified that patients with COVID-19 have about a 20% for DVT and 19% for pulmonary embolism (a clot that travels to the lung which can be fatal).

  The symptoms that patients need to look for is painful swelling of a limb, sudden shortness of breath or sudden pain and coldness of the hands or feet. Untreated DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism. Arterial clotting can lead to loss of a limb.

  Fortunately, vaccination can very significantly reduce the risk of severe disease and death due to Covid.  Vaccination can also reduce the risks of blood clots. Although vaccination is a very rare cause of blood clotting, more clots are prevented by the reduced risk of severe Covid than are caused by vaccination.

Author
Gary B. Nackman, MD, FACS Gary Nackman, MD, FACS, is a board-certified vascular surgeon with more than 30 years of experience helping women and men with venous disease and cosmetic concerns achieve healthy veins and skin. He founded the NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center in Clifton, New Jersey, to provide high-quality, one-on-one, patient-centered care in a welcoming, supportive environment. He's proud to be listed in the Consumers Research Council of America's "Guide to America's Top Surgeons."

You Might Also Enjoy...

Common Vein Complaints We Treat

Your vein complaints may include cosmetic and physical symptoms related to underlying circulatory problems that can cause leg pain, swelling, and other complications. Our minimally invasive treatments address both cosmetic and medical concerns.

Why Varicose Veins Can Cause Your Legs to Swell

If you have varicose veins, you may be more familiar than you’d like with their twisted, bulging blue or purple appearance. Did you know, though, that varicose veins can also cause other symptoms, like leg swelling? Read on to find out why.

Signs It's Time to Get Treatment for Varicose Veins

Whether you hate how they look, how they make your legs feel, or both, early varicose vein treatment can help you avoid the consequences of damaged veins. Read more about treating varicose veins from one of America’s top vascular surgeons.