#StopTheClot #BCAM2026

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Bryce Stanfield was 21 — a student athlete lost to a blood clot. His story is a tragic reminder: blood clots can affect anyone, even the strongest among us. Join us during #BCAM2026 & honor the 100K lives lost to blood clots every year.

Blood clots also affect children, especially among those hospitalized or facing complex medical issues. #BCAM2026

@stoptheclot.bsky.social

Earlier this week, we detailed common blood clot symptoms. Today, we're sharing a simple tool to remember them:
S = swelling, soreness, skin changes in the leg or arm
C = coughing, chest pain, can't catch breath.

Just 2 letters can help Spot a Clot. Knowing these signs can save a life. #bcam2026

Every year, blood clots kill more people in the U.S. thank HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and vehicle crashes combined. National Blood Clot Alliance Stop The Clot stoptheclot.org

Learn more at www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/

#BCAM2026

Stop The Clot Blood Clot Awareness: Know The Signs & Symptoms An image of a grey outline of a body with the heart and lungs visible in red and lighter grey, respectively. On the left side of the infographic: S - swelling in the leg T - tenderness, leg cramps O - out of breath P - pass out, lightheaded On the right side of the infographic: C - chest pain, back pain when breathing L - leg discoloration (red/blue hue) O - overdrive, racing heart T - time, call for help 911 At the bottom of the infographic: To the left, the National Blood Clot Alliance name and logo of red blood drops with Stop The Clot underneath. In the middle, social media logos for @stoptheclot and the website url, stoptheclot.org. To the right, a QR code to scan for further information.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of blood clots can save your life.

(And while this particular infographic doesn't specify it, the swelling/tenderness/discoloration can also occur in the arms.)

#BCAM2026

Stop The Clot, Spread The Word Checklist for Blood Clot Risk Factors Listed below are some of the most common risk factors for blood clots. Put a check in the box next to any risk factors that might apply to you. □ Hospitalization for illness or surgery □ Major surgery, particularly of the pelvis, abdomen, hip, knee □ Severe physical trauma, such as a car accident □ Injury to a vein that may have been caused by a broken bone or severe muscle injury □ Hip or knee replacement surgery □ Cancer and cancer treatments □ Use of birth control methods that contain estrogen, such as the pill, patch, or ring □ Pregnancy, which includes the six weeks after the baby is born □ The use of hormone replacement therapy with estrogen □ Personal or family history of blood clots □ Overweight □ Confinement to bed or wheelchair □ Sitting too long, especially with legs crossed □ Smoking □ Age 55 or older □ Long-term diseases such as heart and lung conditions, or diabetes If any of these risk factors apply to you, speak with your doctors about your potential risk for blood clots. To learn more about blood clots, visit: stoptheclot(dot)org. National Blood Clot Alliance Stop The Clot

Testing for factor V Leiden • Factor V Leiden testing is done with a blood sample. There are two types of tests that can determine whether you have factor V Leiden. • In some cases, a sample may be tested to see if your blood is resistant to activated protein C (one of the proteins that helps control factor V). • If your blood is resistant to activated protein C, there is a 90-95% likelihood that you have a mutation in the factor V gene. • A genetic test is usually done to confirm your results on the activated protein C blood test. • Sometimes, the genetic test is ordered for you first, without ever doing the activate protein C testing. In this case, the DNA is isolated or separated from blood cells and your factor V gene is examined to see if there is a mutation in your DNA code. If a mutation is found, then you have factor V Leiden.

If you take or are planning to take any sort of estrogen, whether via birth control or HRT, get tested for factor V Leiden. If you have factor V Leiden, taking estrogen further increases your chances of developing blood clots.

Stay safe, friends!

#BCAM2026

What is a Blood Clot? A blood clot is a gel-like mass of blood that forms in a vein or artery. While clots play an important role in stopping bleeding after injury, they can also form when they aren’t needed. These abnormal clots can block blood flow and lead to serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Types of Blood Clots Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most often in the leg, but sometimes in the arm or other parts of the body. A DVT can block blood flow and may cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or skin discoloration. Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, or feeling lightheaded. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a term used to describe blood clots that form in the veins, including both DVT and PE.

Why Blood Clots Are Dangerous Blood clots are dangerous because they can block normal blood flow to vital organs. When left untreated, a blood clot (DVT) can break loose and travel to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism (PE), which is often fatal if not treated promptly. Why Timing Matters The sooner a blood clot is recognized and treated, the better the outcome. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before a clot grows or travels to the lungs, reducing the risk of serious complications and long-term damage. Because symptoms can be subtle or unexpected, delays in seeking care are common. Paying attention to warning signs, trusting your instincts, and speaking up quickly can make a lifesaving difference.

stoptheclot.org

@stoptheclot.bsky.social

#BCAM2026

It's that time of year again.

#StopTheClot #BCAM2026