If you have sickle cell disease (SCD), your risk of forming blood clots is higher than in the general population. That's a fact worth respecting — and a fact that should never run your life. Awareness keeps you safe.
Two clots, two emergencies.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot in a large vein, usually in the leg or arm. Warning signs:
- Swelling in one leg or arm
- Pain or tenderness without an injury
- Skin that's warm to the touch with swelling or pain
- Redness with swelling or pain
If a DVT goes untreated, the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) — a blood clot in the lung. This is a 911 emergency. Warning signs:
- Sudden, severe, unusual shortness of breath
- Sudden, severe, unusual chest pain
- Faster-than-normal or irregular heartbeat
- Coughing up blood
Don't wait. Don't drive yourself. Call 911 or get someone to take you to the closest ER immediately.
Risk factors you can do something about:
- Long periods of sitting still — long flights, long road trips, post-surgery, after a fracture. Move your ankles. Stand up every hour.
- Smoking — the most modifiable risk factor on this list.
- Estrogen-containing birth control or hormone replacement — talk to your provider; alternatives exist.
- Carrying extra weight — the conversation, not the lecture. Even small changes lower clot risk.
- Family history of clots — share it with your provider.
Other risk factors to know about:
- Cancer
- Hospitalization or surgery
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period
- Vein trauma
About the medications. Anticoagulants — also called blood thinners — are the standard treatment after a clot. The duration depends on what caused it:
- First clot from a temporary trigger (surgery, fracture, immobility) → typically 3–6 months.
- First clot with no clear trigger → often lifelong.
- Repeat clots with ongoing risk factors → lifelong.
The lifesaving benefits of these medicines almost always outweigh the risks. Just bring your full medication list to every appointment, and learn the bleeding warning signs (covered in our Blood Thinner 101 post).
Bottom line: know your warning signs, move your body, talk to your provider, and don't ignore swelling or shortness of breath.
— Dr. Rob
📄 Resource: CDC What to Know About Blood Clots if You Have Sickle Cell Disease.