Blood Clot Misdiagnosis Lawyers in Pittsburgh 

Blood clotting is an intricate process that ensures our bodies can rapidly stop blood loss when injured. It begins with platelets, which are small cellular components of the bloodstream, sticking together and forming a coagulated mass at the injury site. This plug helps stem bleeding by blocking any potential exit points for further escape from within the damaged section of the vessel wall.

There are two types of blood clots:

• Arterial Clots: An arterial blood clot is a hazardous and potentially life-threatening medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the body's major arteries, blocking the flow of oxygen-rich blood to vital organs and tissues. This can cause chronic or acute pain, localized swelling, reduced mobility in the affected area, tingling sensations, and other unpleasant symptoms. Failure to treat an arterial blood clot can result in severe damage to vital organs and tissues, brain damage due to lack of oxygen, loss of limb function, heart attack or stroke due to restricted circulation, and even death in severe cases. 
• Venous Clots: A venous blood clot, otherwise known as thrombosis, is a condition that occurs when a clot forms in one of a person's veins. This clot can stop the flow of blood and cause swelling and pain. When left untreated, it can lead to other medical complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or stroke. Venous clots typically form in the legs or arms due to an interruption in blood flow. They are usually caused by poor circulation, damage to the veins, genetics, or certain medical conditions.

Blood clots are crucial to the body's natural defense mechanisms; however, medical complications may arise when they form abnormally or without an injury. For example, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by blood clot formation in deep veins of the legs and can cause swelling and pain, while pulmonary embolism (PE), which occurs when an artery in the lungs becomes blocked with a clot, can lead to shortness of breath. In extreme cases, these health issues could have profound effects, such as stroke, heart attack, or death, if not treated properly.

How Blood Clots Are Misdiagnosed

Some people are perplexed that such a significant medical condition can go undetected or get misdiagnosed. The truth is that a blood clot misdiagnosis can happen for several reasons. 

The most common reasons that blood clots get misdiagnosed include the following: 

• Non-Specific Symptoms: Blood clots can be a silent but dangerous threat, as they may not always present with severe symptoms that draw attention to themselves. Swelling, pain, redness, and warmth are common signs of blood clotting; however, these symptoms could also indicate an underlying injury or infection, making it difficult to pinpoint as a blood clot immediately.
• Lack of Awareness: Despite their vital role in healthcare, many professionals remain unaware of the risk factors and warning signs associated with blood clots. With no history to suggest such issues, medical professionals may overlook or deemphasize blood clots' impact on a patient's health. 
• Limited Diagnostic Tests: While ultrasounds, CT scans, and blood tests are available in many healthcare settings, these diagnostic tools may not always be accessible to those whose conditions warrant additional testing. 
• Over-Reliance on D-Dimer Test: The D-dimer test is an essential tool that can help to detect the presence of blood clots; however, it has its limitations. This procedure measures a chemical in the bloodstream called D-dimer, which is released when a clot breaks down. While this method generally provides accurate results, there are certain scenarios where false readings may occur, such as during pregnancy or if the individual suffers from infection or cancer.
• Underestimation of Risk: Blood clots may seem rare, but the truth is that anyone can develop them. While some risk factors are much more known, such as obesity and smoking, many other circumstances raise someone's odds of getting blood clots. Despite this, healthcare professionals might not always consider how susceptible young adults are to blood clots.