10/05/2022 / Heart & Vascular
Thick blood disease is denoted by the attribute of hypercoagulability, Get informed about thick blood symptoms, causes and how to treat thick blood.
Thick blood is a disease which is indicated by the attribute of hypercoagulability which is the tendency of forming blood clots even without any bleeding. It is kind of an exaggerated tendency to form blood clots. Having thick blood means being at an excessive risk of developing blood clots. Thick blood may look like normal blood but it is made up of a combination of different cells, proteins and clotting factors. The imbalance in this standard combination of blood may lead to the development of lethal thick blood syndrome. The process of development of hypercoagulability due to thick blood is called as hypercoagulation. The disadvantages of thick blood include the damaging of tissue and organs and also being the cause of stroke. This blog will discuss in detail the thick blood symptoms, thick blood causes and thick blood treatment.
There are various causes for thick blood, such as excess circulating blood cells, diseases or conditions that influence blood clotting, and extra blood clotting proteins.
Thick blood is not a disease, and the conditions that cause thick blood can be inherited or acquired later. The medical conditions that could cause thick blood include
Polycythemia Vera (PV), causes the body to make excess red blood cells, resulting in thicker blood.
Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma producing large quantities of immunoglobulin M protein that causes the blood to be thick.
Prothrombin gene 20210A or factor II mutation. Factor II, or prothrombin, is essential for blood clotting but too much prothrombin increases the risk of clot formation.
Deficiencies of protein C, protein S, and antithrombin that are natural anticoagulants.
In normal conditions, protein C regulates the clotting factor V. Factor V Leiden causes thick blood as protein C cannot regulate the clotting factor V’s activity.
Environmental factors and health conditions like smoking, hormonal changes, cardiovascular conditions, hormonal medication, trauma, injury, and some diseases like cancer can cause blood clots.
Most people don’t have any symptoms of thick blood until they experience a blood clot. The blood clot usually occurs in the vein, which causes pain and affects circulation in and around the clot.
Though without symptoms, some people know they have a family history of a blood clotting disorder and get tested for blood clotting issues before any appear.
The main symptoms of thick blood include
Blood clots of unknown origin
Repeated blood clots without any reason
Experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss is also an indication of a thick blood condition.
Other common symptoms include
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Excessive menstrual bleeding
Easy bruising
Headache
Gout Headache
Hypertension
Itchy skin
Lack of energy,
Shortness of breath
Thick blood (hypercoagulability) should be diagnosed if some symptoms are observed in the patients. The diagnosis of thick blood is started by first taking the patient's medical history. The doctor first orders a blood test at frequent intervals to detect the thick blood. The blood tests recommended by doctors when they think you have thick blood include
Complete blood count: This test screens for the presence of red blood cells and platelets in the blood. High haemoglobin and hematocrit levels may indicate the presence of polycythemia vera.
Activated protein C resistance: This tests for factor V Leiden, an inherited blood clotting disorder.
Prothrombin G20210A mutation testing: This determines the presence of antithrombin, protein C, or protein S abnormalities.
Protein C, protein S, and antithrombin functional levels test to determine the presence of lupus anticoagulants.
Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies that attack healthy cells and cell proteins. Lupus anticoagulants increase the risk of blood clots. Generally, lupus anticoagulants are associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (an immune system disorder).
It is recommended to get tested for thick blood after 4-6 weeks after a blood clot as sooner testing could give a false result. The false result could be due to inflammatory components in the blood due to the clot.
Drug-based treatments for thick blood condition:
Antiplatelet therapy: Medications like aspirin can help in the prevention of the formation of clots.
Anticoagulant therapy using drugs like warfarin.
Thrombolytics are emergency clot-busting drugs.
Protein C and antithrombin factor treatment can be used for some people.
Treating the underlying cause of thick blood
Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia Vera is a condition where the bone marrow produces too many red and white blood cells making the blood thick. The symptoms of Polycythemia Vera include fatigue, headache, dizziness, weakness, sweating, itchy skin, blurred vision, and abdominal fullness or bloating. Phlebotomy and frequent blood withdrawals help to manage Polycythemia Vera.
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and plasmapheresis are the standard treatment options for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.
Lifestyle changes to reduce the likelihood of developing blood clots
Quitting smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Losing weight if necessary and doing regular physical activity.
Avoid sitting for long periods and moving legs and feet frequently to support blood flow.
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism can be two major complications of thick blood.
The person suffering from a thick blood condition can suffer from complications like rapid heartbeats, pain during deep breaths, blood while coughing, chest pain, swelling, redness, and leg pain on bending and stretching.
Other complications are heart attack, stroke, kidney complications, pregnancy complications, and peripheral artery disease.
Thick blood is a disease indicated by hypercoagulability, the tendency to form blood clots without bleeding. Having thick blood means being at an excessive risk of developing blood clots.
There are various causes for thick blood, such as excess circulating blood cells, diseases or conditions that influence blood clotting, and extra blood clotting proteins. The medical conditions that could cause thick blood include Polycythemia Vera, Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, Prothrombin gene 20210A, and inherited blood clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden.
Diagnosis involves a complete blood count (CBC), activated protein c resistance test, tests to determine the presence of antithrombin, protein C, or protein S abnormalities and lupus anticoagulants.
Treatment for thick blood conditions includes antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy, thrombolytics, protein C, and antithrombin factor treatment, treating the underlying cause of thick blood, and making lifestyle changes.
Yes, thickened blood can cause headaches and dizziness in people.
Having thick blood means being at an excessive risk of developing blood clots. These blood clots can result in a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening issues.
The thickness of blood has nothing to do with how one experiences the temperature.
People with thick blood experience weakness and lack of energy.
High cholesterol levels can change blood viscosity. Moreover, high cholesterol can cause blood clots when combined with other factors.
Thick blood is not a disease but a condition due to various other health-related conditions that can be inherited, acquired, or develop over time.
Thick blood is bad for health. Thick blood is a major risk factor for blood clots. These blood clots lead to heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis.
Polycythemia vera is a type of blood cancer causing the bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. These excess cells thicken the blood causing serious problems, such as blood clots.
Having thick blood means being at an excessive risk of developing blood clots. These blood clots can result in a heart attack and other life-threatening situations.
Normally, blood pressure and blood viscosity are not related, but an effect is likely due to shear stress regulation of blood flow.
Thick blood can not be cured, however treatment for thick blood conditions includes antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy, thrombolytics, protein C, and antithrombin factor treatment, treating the underlying cause of thick blood, and making lifestyle changes.
There are various causes for thick blood, such as excess circulating blood cells, diseases or conditions that influence blood clotting, and extra blood clotting proteins.
When blood becomes thick, it loses its consistency and ability to flow freely. This is known as hypercoagulability, or increased blood viscosity. Thick blood can cause a variety of health difficulties, including an increased risk of blood clots, decreased oxygen and nutrition delivery to tissues, and significant organ damage.
It is typically recommended that if you have thick blood, you avoid certain substances that can enhance its viscosity and clotting tendency. Among the suggestions are:
a. Limiting your intake of vitamin K-rich foods, as high levels can encourage blood clotting.
b. Avoiding foods high in saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to increased blood viscosity.
c. Limiting alcohol consumption, as it can interfere with blood coagulation and thinning.
d. Avoiding smoking, which can cause blood clotting and damage to blood vessels.
The term "thick blood" refers to increased blood viscosity or hypercoagulability rather than a specific medical disease. The underlying causes of thick blood must be recognised and treated. In many circumstances, treating the underlying cause of the increased viscosity might aid in the effective management of the condition. However, a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan require consultation with a healthcare specialist.
Certain foods can cause an increase in blood viscosity or clotting. It is crucial to note, however, that the effect of different meals on blood thickness varies based on an individual's total diet and health status. Foods that are frequently linked to blood clotting include:
a. Vitamin K-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
b. Red meat and processed meat.
c. Saturated and trans fat-rich foods, such as fried dishes, fast food, and fatty cuts of meat.
d. Consumption of refined carbs and sugary meals in excess.
While it is critical to seek the advice and diagnosis of a healthcare expert, there are several general lifestyle changes that may help reduce blood thickness:
a. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
b. Exercise or engage in physical activity on a regular basis to improve blood circulation.
c. Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
c. Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, as well as foods high in vitamin K.
e. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and, if applicable, cease smoking.
f. Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits of supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids or natural blood thinners such as ginger or turmeric. However, do not begin any supplements without first consulting your doctor.
While fruits do not directly "thin" blood, some fruits contain compounds that may have mild antiplatelet or anticoagulant properties, potentially reducing blood clotting. However, it's important to note that the effect of these fruits is generally not as potent as medications prescribed for blood thinning. Fruits like berries, grapes, pomegranates and citrus fruits have geese properties.
Vitamins, in general, do not contribute to blood thickening. In reality, vitamins like vitamin K aid in blood clotting, the inverse of blood thinning. However, it is critical to maintain a balanced vitamin consumption to support general health. Excessive intake of certain vitamins, particularly vitamin K, may interact with blood-thinning medications, so it's critical to listen to your doctor and stick to your treatment plan.
Blood thickness is commonly characterized in terms of viscosity, which relates to its resistance to flow. Blood viscosity normal ranges might vary depending on the technique of testing and individual characteristics. At 37 degrees Celsius, the viscosity of whole blood is typically thought to be around 3.5-4.5 centipoise (cP).
High cholesterol levels might indirectly contribute to increased blood viscosity. When cholesterol levels rise, particularly when low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels rise, atherosclerotic plaques form in the blood arteries. Atherosclerosis and other associated disorders can raise the risk of blood clot development. Controlling cholesterol levels with a healthy lifestyle that includes a well-balanced diet and frequent exercise is critical for cardiovascular health.
Yes, dehydration can contribute to increased blood viscosity or blood thickening. When the body is dehydrated, the fluid component of the blood decreases, resulting in a more concentrated and thicker blood composition. It is important to stay hydrated in order to maintain optimal blood viscosity and general health.
Thick blood is commonly referred to as "hypercoagulability" or "increased blood viscosity." These words refer to a situation in which blood becomes more resistant to flow as a result of a variety of factors such as increased levels of clotting factors or changes in blood composition.
Certain kinds of cancer can cause increased blood viscosity or thickening. These malignancies are frequently related with the generation of aberrant proteins that impair blood coagulation. Multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer and brain tumors are examples of cancers that can cause thick blood. However, it is crucial to highlight that thick blood is not a feature of all tumors, and each cancer type can have varied effects on blood composition.
Yes, diet can have an impact on blood thickness or viscosity. A high-fat, trans-fat, and cholesterol-rich diet can contribute to increased blood viscosity and clotting. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, on the other hand, can assist maintain appropriate blood viscosity levels. It is critical to eat a well-balanced diet and get personalized dietary recommendations from a healthcare practitioner or qualified dietitian.
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