Identification

A blood clot, or deep vein thrombosis, is a clot of coagulated, or hardened, blood that can form in the veins or arteries of arms, legs and the groin area, according to the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

Initial Symptoms

Symptoms of a blood clot in your arm, according to both ASH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, include a sudden swelling in your arm, skin redness or extreme paleness, soreness or twinges in your arm or pain radiating down it, numbness and tingling, arm weakness, and your fingers or hands feeling cold.

Progressive Symptoms

According to ASH, symptoms from the progressive effects of a blood clot in your arm include skin blisters, skin erosion or shedding and, if the clot is not treated, tissue damage and necrosis.

Blood Clot Dangers

Blood clots in the arms, legs and groin can break off and travel to other parts of your body, including the lungs, heart or the brain, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, causing stroke or pulmonary embolism in the lungs. Clots can also restrict the return blood flow to the heart, according to the ASH.

What to Do

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. There are medications that can safely dissolve blood clots before they can cause further damage.

Source:

ahrq.gov: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services: Blood Clots

bloodthevitalconnection.org: American Society of Hematology on Blood Clots

nytimes.com: NY Times Healthguide: Arterial Embolisms