Blood thickening treatment. Increased blood viscosity in women. Why is pathology dangerous?

Everyone knows that prevention of pathologies of the cardiovascular system can prevent many dangerous diseases, but pay little attention to such important point, as indicators of blood viscosity. But absolutely all processes occurring in the cells and organs of our body depend on the state of this living environment. Its main function is to transport respiratory gases, hormones, nutrients and many other substances. When the properties of the blood change, which include thickening, acidification or increasing the level of sugar and cholesterol, the transport function is significantly disrupted and redox processes in the heart, blood vessels, brain, liver and other organs proceed abnormally.

That is why in preventive actions To prevent heart and vascular diseases, regular monitoring of blood viscosity indicators must be included. In this article we will introduce you to the causes of thick blood (high blood viscosity syndrome, or hyperviscose syndrome), symptoms, complications, methods of diagnosis and treatment. This knowledge will help you prevent not only many diseases of the cardiovascular system, but also their dangerous complications.

Blood consists of plasma (the liquid part) and shaped elements(blood cells), which determine its thickness. The hematocrit level (hematocrit number) is determined by the ratio between these two blood environments. Blood viscosity increases with increasing levels of prothrombin and fibrinogen, but can also be provoked by an increase in the level of red blood cells and other blood cells, hemoglobin, glucose and cholesterol. That is, with thick blood, the hematocrit becomes higher.

This change in the blood formula is called high blood viscosity syndrome, or hyperviscose syndrome. There are no uniform indicators of the norm for the parameters described above, since they change with age.

An increase in blood viscosity leads to the fact that some blood cells cannot fully perform their functions, and some organs stop receiving the substances they need and cannot get rid of waste products. In addition, thick blood is harder to push through the vessels, is prone to the formation of blood clots, and the heart has to make great efforts to pump it. As a result, it wears out faster, and a person develops its pathologies.

Reveal increased density blood can be obtained using a general blood test, which will show an increase in hematocrit caused by an increase in the level of formed elements and hemoglobin. Such an analysis result will certainly alert the doctor, and he will conduct necessary measures to identify the cause and treatment of hyperviscosity syndrome. Such timely measures can prevent the development of a whole bunch of diseases.

Why does the blood become thick?

Blood is the basis of the body’s vital functions; all processes occurring inside it depend on its viscosity and composition.

The viscosity of human blood is regulated by a number of factors. The most common predisposing factors for the development of hyperviscosity syndrome are:

increased blood clotting;
increase in the number of red blood cells;
increase in platelet count;
increased hemoglobin levels;
dehydration;
poor absorption of water in the large intestine;
massive blood loss;
acidification of the body;
hyperfunction of the spleen;
enzyme deficiency;
lack of vitamins and minerals that are involved in the synthesis of hormones and enzymes;
irradiation;
large amounts of sugar and carbohydrates consumed.

Typically, increased blood viscosity is caused by one of the above disorders, but in some cases the composition of the blood changes under the influence of a whole range of factors.

The causes of such disorders are the following diseases and pathologies:

foodborne illnesses and diseases accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting;
hypoxia;
some forms of leukemia;
antiphospholipid syndrome;
polycythemia;
sugary and not diabetes;
diseases accompanied by an increase in protein levels in the blood (Waldenström macroglobulinemia, etc.);
myeloma, AL amyloidosis and other monoclonal
gammopathies;
thrombophilia;
adrenal insufficiency;
hepatitis;
cirrhosis of the liver;
pancreatitis;
thermal burns;
pregnancy.

Symptoms

Thick blood impedes blood flow and promotes development cardiovascular diseases.

The symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome largely depend on clinical manifestations the disease that caused it. Sometimes they are temporary and disappear on their own after the causes that provoked them are eliminated (for example, dehydration or hypoxia).

The main clinical signs of thick blood are the following symptoms:

dry mouth;
fast fatiguability;
frequent drowsiness;
absent-mindedness;
severe weakness;
depression;
arterial hypertension;
headache;
heaviness in the legs;
constantly cold feet and hands;
numbness and tingling in areas with impaired blood microcirculation;
nodules on the veins.

In some cases, hyperviscosity syndrome occurs hidden (asymptomatic) and is detected only after evaluating the results of a blood test.

Complications

Hyperviscosity syndrome is not a disease, but if present serious pathologies can cause severe and dangerous complications. Blood thickens more often in older people, but in last years this syndrome is increasingly being detected in middle-aged and young people. According to statistics, thick blood is more often observed in men.

The most dangerous consequences of hyperviscosity syndrome are a tendency to form blood clots and thrombosis. Small-caliber vessels are usually thrombosed, but persist increased risk that the blood clot will block coronary artery or cerebral vessel. Such thromboses cause acute tissue necrosis of the affected organ, and the patient develops an ischemic stroke.

Other consequences of thick blood may include the following diseases and pathological conditions:

bleeding;
intracerebral and subdural bleeding.

The degree of risk of complications of hyperviscosity syndrome largely depends on the underlying cause of its development. That is why the main objective treatment of this condition and prevention of its complications - elimination of the underlying disease.

Diagnostics

To identify hyperviscosity syndrome, the following laboratory tests are prescribed:

Complete blood count and hematocrit. Allows you to determine the number of blood cells, hemoglobin level and their ratio to the total blood volume.
Coagulogram. Gives an idea of the state of the hemostasis system, blood clotting, duration of bleeding and integrity of blood vessels.
APTT. Allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of the internal and general coagulation pathways. Aimed at determining the level of plasma factors, inhibitors and anticoagulants in the blood.

Drug treatment

The main goal of treatment for hyperviscosity syndrome is aimed at treating the underlying disease that caused the thick blood. The comprehensive drug therapy regimen includes:

In case of increased blood clotting, the complex of drug treatment may include:

Heparin;
Warfarin;
Fragmin et al.

Blood thinners are selected individually for each patient and only after eliminating contraindications to their use. For example, in case of myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and other monoclonal gammopathies, anticoagulants are absolutely contraindicated.

For hyperviscosity syndrome, which is accompanied by a tendency to bleed, the following are prescribed:

plasmapheresis;
platelet transfusions;
symptomatic therapy.

Diet

Blood thickness can be adjusted by following certain nutritional rules. Scientists have noted that blood becomes thicker if daily diet includes insufficient amounts of amino acids, proteins and unsaturated fatty acids. That is why the diet of a person with thick blood should include the following foods:

lean meats;
sea fish;
eggs;
seaweed;
dairy products;
olive oil;
linseed oil.

Blood thinning products can help correct your blood composition:

ginger;
cinnamon;
celery;
artichoke;
garlic;
beet;
cucumbers;
tomatoes;
sunflower seeds;
cashew nuts;
almond;
bitter chocolate;
cocoa;
dark grapes;
red and white currants;
cherry;
strawberry;
citrus;
figs;
peaches;
apples, etc.

With increased blood viscosity, the patient needs to monitor the vitamin balance. This recommendation applies to foods containing large amounts of vitamin C and K. Their excess increases blood viscosity, and therefore their intake into the body should correspond to the daily norm. A lack of vitamin E also negatively affects the composition of the blood, and therefore must be included in the diet nutritional supplements or foods that are rich in tocopherols and tocotrienols (broccoli, green leafy vegetables, legumes, butter, almonds, etc.).

From the products described above, you can create a varied menu. Every person who is faced with the problem of thick blood will be able to include tasty and healthy dishes in their diet.

There is also a list of products that help increase blood viscosity. These include:

salt;
fatty meats;
salo;
butter;
cream;
buckwheat;
legumes;
liver;
kidneys;
liver;
brain;
red pepper;
radish;
watercress;
turnip;
red cabbage;
radish;
purple berries;
bananas;
mango;
walnuts;
light grapes;
pomegranate;
basil;
dill;
parsley;
White bread.

These foods can not be completely excluded from the diet, but simply limit their consumption.

Drinking regime

Much is known about the dangers of dehydration. Lack of water affects not only the functioning of organs and systems, but also the viscosity of the blood. It is dehydration that often causes the development of hyperviscosity syndrome. To prevent it, it is recommended to drink at least 30 ml daily clean water per 1 kg of weight. If for some reason a person does not drink plain water, and replaces it with tea, juices or compotes, then the volume of liquid consumed should be higher.

Bad habits and medications

Smoking and intake alcoholic drinks promotes significant blood thickening. This is why people with thick blood are advised to avoid these bad habits. If a person cannot cope with these addictions on his own, then he is recommended to use one of the treatment methods nicotine addiction or alcoholism.

Negatively affects blood composition and long-term use some medications. These include:

diuretics;
hormonal drugs;
oral contraceptives;
Viagra.

Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy is one of the effective ways thinning thick blood. The saliva of leeches, which they inject into the blood after sucking, contains hirudin and other enzymes that help thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots. This treatment method can be prescribed after excluding certain contraindications:

thrombocytopenia;
hemophilia;
severe hypotension;
cachexia;
severe forms of anemia;
malignant tumors;
hemorrhagic diathesis;
pregnancy;
Caesarean section performed three to four months ago;
children under 7 years of age;
individual intolerance.

Traditional methods

Thick blood syndrome can be treated with folk recipes, based on properties medicinal plants. Before using such herbal medicine techniques, it is recommended to consult a doctor and make sure there are no contraindications.

The following folk recipes can be used to thin thick blood:

tincture of meadowsweet (or lobaznik);
herbal collection of equal parts of yellow sweet clover, meadow clover flowers, meadowsweet grass, valerian roots, lemon balm, narrow-leaved fireweed and hawthorn fruits;
infusion of willow bark;
infusion of horse chestnut flowers;
nettle infusion;
tincture of nutmeg.

Thick blood negatively affects the state of the cardiovascular and other body systems. In some cases, an increase in its viscosity can be eliminated on its own, but more often such a violation of its condition is caused by various diseases and pathologies. That is why the identification of hyperviscosity syndrome should never be ignored. Treatment of the underlying disease that caused the blood thickening and the inclusion of blood thinning methods in the main treatment plan will help you get rid of the development and progression of many severe complications. Remember this and be healthy!
Video version of the article:

Blood is the river of life in our body. The processes in the human body and the cardiovascular system as a whole depend on it. Viscous blood, the causes of which are very different, indicates a violation of its composition. The transport function of blood in such conditions becomes difficult. This negatively affects many processes in our body. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the quality of your blood, undergo periodic tests, and know that all indicators are normal.

Sometimes it is possible to understand that something wrong is happening in the body only when the state of health has deteriorated significantly and sharply. Unfortunately, sometimes an increase in blood density does not make itself felt until it becomes very bad, and in rare cases, too late. In order not to miss precious time, it is very important to take a blood test on time.

Increased blood density can also be shown general analysis blood. Any doctor will be able to suspect something is wrong and send you for additional examination, which can subsequently prevent a whole bunch of unwanted diseases.

Blood tests for thick blood.

To determine the degree of blood thickness, your doctor may prescribe additional tests that will help determine the degree of blood viscosity:

general blood test with counting of formed elements (platelets, erythrocytes, leukocytes);
analysis of bleeding duration and blood clotting;
coagulogram - comprehensive analysis(shows general state blood clotting).

If you have been prescribed these tests, do not delay going to the laboratory!

Why does a person have thick blood, reasons.

The causes of high blood viscosity can be both chronic and acute pathological processes. They become the actual cause of a violation of blood viscosity and an increase in the limits of its normal parameters.

The reasons may be:

Food intoxication of the body;
Antiphospholipid syndrome;
Erythremia (polycythemia);
Hypoxia;
Leukemia (some of its forms);
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia;
decreased adrenal gland function;
Myeloma;
Diabetes;
Amyloidosis;
Cirrhosis of the liver;
Thrombophilia;
Thermal burns;
Pregnancy;
Varicose veins;
Pancreatitis;
Hepatitis.

Among the reasons may also be hereditary and genetic. You are at risk if: you have a family history of blood clots, you have had unexplained miscarriages, or you have a history of repeated blood clots.

What are the symptoms of thick blood in a person’s body?

There is no such disease in medicine as thick blood, so it would not be correct to describe the symptoms of such a disease. There are still signs and symptoms of hypercoagulation, but they can also arise through other problems in the body.

The list goes on and on, However, you must also remember that hypercoagulation sometimes shows no signs at all, and the patient learns about his problem only after a blood test.

Why is thick blood dangerous in humans?

A person’s blood thickens with age, so older people are at risk. However Lately This process has become very young and young people are also facing problems with blood viscosity. Excessive blood viscosity can lead to serious consequences and even death.

The most dangerous consequence increasing blood density - blood clot formation. Active formation of blood clots occurs through the influence of a blood clotting protein (fibrin). The blood becomes thick and less fluid.

Hypoxia. With high blood density, tissues and organs do not receive such necessary nutrients. Thick and slow blood, fragile blood vessels, and the formation of blood clots lead to dangerous problems with the blood supply to the entire body.

Heart problems. These problems arise first when blood density increases. A person suffers from heart failure, angina pectoris, and strokes and heart attacks may develop. This is due to the fact that the heart expends enormous effort to pump thick blood. It is believed that cholesterol is less dangerous for the body than sticky blood.

Ischemic stroke. This is a dangerous consequence when blood enters the vessels of the brain.

High pressure(hypertension).

VSD syndrome.

Thromboembolism. Pieces of broken blood clots get into a person's blood vessels, which can lead to blood clots entering the brain vessels. Unfortunately, the consequences of embolism can lead not only to functional disorder, but also to death.

What to do if a person has thick blood?

As soon as a person hears that he has viscous blood, the question immediately follows: “What should I do?!” Doctors give a clear answer to this: “Liquefy.” In medicine, there is no such thing as blood thinning, and a decrease in viscosity often has a bad effect on clotting. The patient must understand that blood thinning is nothing more than normalizing its viscosity. That is, you must bring your blood to its normal physiological state so that coagulation is not affected. First of all, you need to consult a doctor, who will give you specific recommendations.

How to thin a person's thick blood?

To bring blood into normal condition, you need to reconsider your diet. It must be balanced. You are also required to adhere to a drinking regime that is optimal for your weight (30 ml of water per kilogram of your weight).

In addition to a balanced diet, your doctor may prescribe medical supplies. In each specific case, the doctor gets acquainted with the medical history and only then prescribes medications.

Follow your doctor's orders strictly! Don't self-medicate! Do not prescribe medications to yourself! This can only lead to worsening health problems!

Nutrition for thick blood in humans.

As mentioned above, with hypercoagulability, patients need a healthy and balanced diet. This does not oblige you to give up your usual foods and goodies, but anyone who is faced with this unpleasant situation should reconsider their menu. Water is also the main factor in human nutrition. You need to drink as much liquid as possible. Even any diet says that you need to drink at least 2 liters of water a day. I would also like to note that soups, teas and other liquid dishes do not replace water.

Diet for thick blood in humans.

If increased blood viscosity is not caused by serious diseases, it will be enough for a person to monitor his diet without the medications offered by the pharmaceutical industry. However, medications may also be prescribed in each specific case.

It is also worth giving up smoking and alcohol.

Your diet should first of all be balanced so that your body receives the right dose carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as all useful macro- and microelements.

For some, the word diet sounds like a death sentence, but you don’t have to starve yourself, you just have to focus on following products:

garlic;
onion;
celery;
artichokes;
tomatoes;
beet;
peeled cucumbers;
cinnamon;
ginger;
figs;
cashew nuts;
seeds;
almond;
bitter chocolate;
cocoa;
grape;
berries (currants, strawberries, cherries and others);
citrus;
peaches;
apples;
seaweed and lean sea fish;
lean meat (rabbit, turkey, skinless chicken);
flaxseed and olive oil;
vinegar.

As you can see, from the list presented you can create a wide variety of menus and you don’t have to indulge yourself in food.

Folk methods and recipes for thinning thick blood.

In the fight for your health, all means are good. Therefore, we should not forget about folk methods treatment of high blood viscosity.

Before using traditional recipes, consult your doctor.

Ginko biloba tincture. This tincture is used in treatment of VSD, and also prevents the formation of blood clots. Take 50 grams of Ginkgo biloba leaves, pour 1 liter of vodka over them and leave for 2 weeks. You need to take the tincture in courses (drink for a month, 2 weeks off) a teaspoon 3 times a day before meals.

Sweet clover grass. Popular remedy with hypercoagulation. A tablespoon of herb is poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water, then left for 2 hours (preferably in a thermos), filtered and drunk 1/3 cup 3 times a day. The course of treatment is one month.

Chestnut peel tincture. Take 50 grams of chestnut peel, pour half a liter of vodka over it and leave for 2 weeks. Then the tincture must be strained and drunk 30 drops 2 times a day with water. The tincture is taken for 3 weeks.

White willow bark decoction. Take 1 spoon of bark per glass of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes, then filter, dilute with boiled water to the initial volume and take 2 tbsp. before meals for 10 days.

Tincture on porcini mushroom caps. Place 200 grams of porcini mushroom caps in a liter jar, after chopping them, fill the jar to the top with vodka. Leave for 10 days and then strain. Take the tincture half an hour before meals, 1 tsp.

A tincture of other herbal decoctions, such as meadowsweet, hawthorn fruit, lemon balm, nettle, valerian roots and others, is also widely used.

Remember that in this matter it is important not only to thin the blood, but also not to overdo it, since this is just as dangerous to health as thick blood! Be healthy!

Thick blood is not a disease, it is a symptom of one of many diseases, the prognosis for treatment of which is not always favorable. A change in the natural state of the blood, its structure and consistency may be a signal pathological changes in the myocardium or bloodstream. By understanding the causes and treatment of thick blood in women, you can prevent the occurrence of more serious illnesses.

Increased density is a deviation from the norm caused by an imbalance of plasma and blood cells. In the female half of the population, who do not suffer from diseases or system failures, the hematocrit varies from 0.36 to 0.46. Blood is thicker than water and, in the absence of pathological changes, it moves 5 times slower. Plasma has a viscosity from 1.4 to 2.2 units. And a woman’s total density is 3.9 - 4.9 units. The concentration of blood cells always exceeds the plasma volume. Density - 1,050 - 1,064 g/ml. Viscosity among representatives of different sexes does not differ significantly; this is due to physiological differences. A man's blood is thicker.

Possible causes of thick blood in women

Blood density is related to the amount of fibrinogen and prothrombin. The values change when pathological changes occur in the body. They can increase with an increased content of glucose, cholesterol and other inclusions in the composition.

The factors influencing density in all people are similar, regardless of gender. Perhaps some are more common in men (erectile dysfunction), and some are more common in women.

An increase in hematocrit is affected by:

Dehydration due to:

▪ low water consumption;

▪ kidney diseases;

▪ high content glucose in the structure;

▪ elevated temperature body (fever, fever), accompanied high sweating And frequent urination.

▪ hot climate;

▪ toxicosis, prolonged, continuous vomiting due to intoxication;

▪ diarrhea, profuse diarrhea as a result of poisoning;

▪ pyelonephritis in chronic form.

Long-term drug therapy. Long-term treatment synthetic drugs It has Negative influence on the structure and state of density. During the use of drugs, the plasma loses a significant amount of the liquid part, this contributes to the development increased hematocrit. Density is affected by:

▪ Hydrocortisone and other medicinal substances aimed at eliminating the pathology of the adrenal cortex.

▪ Oral birth control pills(contraceptives).

▪ diuretics (diuretics).

Medicinal substances capable of changing viscosity, use only after consultation with your doctor. Drugs are prescribed taking into account physiological characteristics, concomitant diseases.

Dysfunction of metabolic processes in the body.

Pathologies of the liver, stomach and digestive organs lead to insufficient oxidation of certain products involved in metabolic processes. IN imperfect form they enter the bloodstream and stimulate an increase in formed cells. Thus, against the background of the overall preserved plasma concentration, the amount of glucose increases. As a result, the volume of proteins in the bloodstream is reduced, which promotes the excretion of water into fatty tissue. A signal of such a failure is often tissue swelling.

Irregularities at work respiratory system. Insufficient oxygen supply to organs and tissues as a result of diseases of the respiratory system leads to oxygen starvation and blood oxidation. Insufficient oxygen supply leads to the accumulation of formed elements in the bloodstream. Hypoxia promotes increased breakdown of blood cells and the formation of products that negatively affect the clinical picture.

Cholecystitis ( high values in the structure). Hypercholesterolemia acts to increase viscosity. With this disease, blood density changes not only due to cholesterol plaques, and triglycerides, lipoproteins.

Infections caused by helminthiases and infections. Penetrating into the body from external environment, they lead active life activities, while launching barrier functions body. The immune system enters the fight, as a result of which pathogenic forms die, creating high concentration plasma. At helminthic infestation or infectious diseases from the submucosal layer of the intestine pass into the bloodstream, disrupting blood flow and increasing viscosity.

Neuralgia. The result of the strong constant stress, prolonged overexertion may cause changes in the composition of the blood. It leads to increased performance cholesterol, glucose. Hematocrit increases if a person is constantly in a poor psycho-emotional state.

Adverse Impact environment, high concentration of carbon monoxide, exhaust gases, bad habits (smoking).

Consumption of non-nutritive foods, fast food, fried foods, requiring resource expenditure immune system for the neutralization of hazardous elements and recycling. One-time consumption of such food leads to a temporary increase in thickness, constant intake can lead to a lasting change in the blood and pathological disorders.

The cause of high viscosity can be due to a number of diseases:

The reasons for thick blood in women during pregnancy can be explained by the period when a serious load is placed on internal reserves. Often the body's functions cannot withstand and fail. This is preceded by: any chronic illnesses, blood loss, blood diseases, painful sensations, excessive iron intake to increase hemoglobin.

To monitor changes in a woman's condition, a series of tests are prescribed throughout pregnancy. A change in density can be seen visually when taking samples. With such changes in mandatory The attending physician refers you to a detailed coagulogram.

The main danger from high blood viscosity in a pregnant woman is thrombosis. Uterine blockage blood vessels is fraught with a lack of blood supply, nutrition of the embryo and is often the result of a miscarriage.

The best possible development events when the blood thickens only during gestation. It does not count pathological manifestation, since after childbirth she returns to normal. A competent specialist will appoint adequate therapy capable of influencing the smoothing of such metamorphosis. Usually it is enough to change your diet and stick to a properly selected diet. Blood thinners are not prescribed during pregnancy.

Blood is an important biological component human body, providing it normal functioning. Thick blood causes and treatment in men. Thick blood can occur in both women and men. This pathology can lead to some diseases and worsen a person’s quality of life, since the speed of movement and density of this liquid tissue are responsible for the full functioning of almost all organs.

How to determine blood thickness

In order for a specialist to be able to provide a complete picture of the state of this substance, it is necessary to conduct a series of laboratory tests. There are several types of blood density tests:

A coagulogram or hemostasiogram is a set of indicators that will help determine that the blood is thick. But these data will be indicative. For a more detailed analysis, additional coagulation factors need to be investigated.
The D-Dimer test, often prescribed for suspected pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis.
Clotting time analysis.
The degree of viscosity will show and biochemical analysis, revealing the level of leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, as well as their sedimentation rate.

Symptoms of thick blood

There may sometimes be no symptoms of thick blood. But you should consult a doctor as soon as possible if a person experiences the following abnormalities:

high blood pressure;
dry mouth;
drowsiness;
heaviness in the legs;
general weakness;
nodules on the veins;
depression;
increased fatigue;
absent-mindedness;
headache;
Constantly cold feet and hands.

If tests reveal thick blood, the causes and treatment in men and women are determined by the attending physician. With thick blood, symptoms in women indicating disorders in the body may be different. Increased viscosity promotes thrombus formation, blood circulation slows down, blockage of small vessels occurs, swelling may occur, coldness and numbness of the extremities, dryness can be felt skin, thinning and hair loss, brittle nails.

High viscosity also causes many problems for men. The patient suffers from severe headaches, the general condition, nutrition and respiration of tissues deteriorate, daytime there is drowsiness, low performance, fatigue. In men, it is also possible that blood clots may form, which impairs blood circulation, often leading to a stroke or heart attack. As a result of insufficient blood supply to the brain, depression develops, a person becomes absent-minded, forgetful, and inattentive.

Why does the blood thicken?

You can understand why the blood thickens by doing a detailed analysis. This substance consists of leukocytes, platelets, erythrocytes and the liquid part - plasma, and the density of the latter depends on the ratio of the listed blood cells. Most common reasons thick blood can be considered:

Factors influencing blood viscosity include: depressive states, diabetes mellitus, smoking, vascular damage, hypothermia and drinking alcohol. If a person liquid blood, the reasons may be a disruption of platelet function. This dysfunction can be either acquired or hereditary.

Diagnosis of diseases

If a person suspects blood thickening, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will find out the cause of the viscosity and prescribe medications. For this purpose, the patient undergoes tests, with the help of which the doctor can see the ratio of blood cells. A coagulogram will determine not only coagulation, but also the condition of blood vessels, the hemostasis system, and the duration of bleeding. Additionally, the APTT test is used, which determines the time it takes for a clot to form.

To make a final diagnosis, you should undergo other examinations: a computed tomogram, ultrasonography etc. Viscosity is a complex problem that must be dealt with comprehensively. After making a diagnosis, the doctor must prescribe the necessary medications, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, and recommend foods that should be included in the diet.

Principles of treatment

Blood thickening requires more than just taking medications, but also lifestyle changes, inclusion in the menu of foods, decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants that have a diluting effect. Blood thickening can be caused by fatty meat and dairy products, buckwheat, potatoes, sweet dishes. It is undesirable to eat walnuts, bananas, rowan fruits, and mangoes.

Among medicinal herbs thickening biological fluid promote: St. John's wort, rose hips, burdock, nettle, horsetail, etc. Therefore, before taking infusions and decoctions, you should consult a doctor. Developing dietary food, you need to take into account that viscosity increases due to a lack of amino acids, proteins and saturated fatty acids. To replenish their stock, the menu should include:

seafood;
lean meat;
fruits;
berries;
vegetables;
vegetable oils;
low-fat dairy products;
spices (capsicum, ginger, cinnamon, mint, horseradish, herbs).

This problem is often associated with general dehydration of the body, and therefore it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day, which in addition to water includes compotes, juices, dairy products, decoctions of medicinal herbs. Of the plants that reduce viscosity, we can distinguish red clover, hawthorn fruits, meadowsweet, Caucasian dioscorea, lemon balm, yellow sweet clover, angustifolia fireweed. A good remedy For liquefaction, an infusion of chestnut flowers, branches and willow bark is considered.

Treatment involves complete failure from smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. You need to move more, exercise daily physical exercise. It is equally important to pay attention to prevention in order to protect yourself from problems and diseases associated with increased blood viscosity.

Blood viscosity is very important indicator state of human health. This concept refers to the ratio of the amount of formed elements and blood plasma. Increased viscosity negatively affects the condition of the heart, blood vessels and all internal organs. In the presence of such a condition the cardiovascular system wears out faster, there is a risk of blood clots and other negative manifestations.

Signs of changes in blood viscosity

Human blood consists of formed elements (leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets) and a liquid part (plasma). Normally, the proportion of formed elements is no more than 45% and no less than 40%. If this amount increases, we are talking about increased blood viscosity. If leukocytes, platelets and red blood cells occupy less than 40%, it is customary to talk about reduced viscosity.

Increased thickness can be determined by the following manifestations in the patient:

decreased visual acuity;
noise in ears;
heaviness in the legs;
feeling of dry mouth;
frequent headaches;
decreased performance, drowsiness;
numbness of the limbs;
feeling of goosebumps running through the body;
apathy, irritability, manifestations of depression.

With reduced viscosity, the blood's ability to clot is impaired. In such patients, subcutaneous bleeding is diagnosed, bloody issues from the gums, bleeding in internal organs and other pathological conditions.

Why does the blood thicken?

A condition such as increased blood viscosity can be caused by various reasons. Among them are:

lack of enzymes. This is a congenital or acquired disease in which an insufficient amount of digestive enzymes is synthesized in the human body. Due to the fact that food is not completely broken down, the blood becomes contaminated with decay products, which causes red blood cells to stick together, oxygen starvation fabrics;
poor quality of consumed water. Poor quality water negatively affects blood composition, leading to increased viscosity;
huge pressure to the liver. Due to a lack of minerals and vitamins, the liver ceases to cope with its tasks. This leads to an increase in the amount of formed elements in the blood. Abuse of smoked, spicy, salty, and sour foods has a negative effect on the liver. Alcohol has a destructive effect on the organ;
dehydration of the body. If during intense physical activity the person does not consume sufficient quantity water, this can cause an increase in blood density. In addition, diarrhea is a cause of dehydration, taking large quantity diuretics, vomiting and other conditions;
dysfunction of the spleen. Hyperfunction of the spleen leads to a violation of the ratio of plasma and formed cells.

Common reason pathological condition– liver diseases with impaired enzyme synthesis

Due to the increase in viscosity, blood circulates heavily throughout the body, as a result of which the functioning of all organs and systems is disrupted, the heart is forced to work in an increased mode, since it is difficult for it to distill thick blood.

Important! Recently, there has been a tendency to increase blood viscosity not only in older people, but also in younger patients. This is facilitated by poor ecology, poor quality food and other factors.

Reasons for low viscosity

Sometimes the thickness of the blood decreases. Although liquefaction is diagnosed less often than increased viscosity, the condition poses a serious threat to the health and life of the patient. This indicator is especially important for women in the last stages of pregnancy. Once bleeding begins, it can be very difficult to stop, and death often occurs.

Reduced blood viscosity occurs in people due to the following conditions:

taking medications including acetylsalicylic acid over a long period;
overdose of heparin-based drugs;
vitamin K deficiency;
lack of calcium;
malignant formations, provoking a decrease in the synthesis of formed elements;
serious allergic reactions;
liver pathologies. Impaired functioning of the organ leads to a decrease in the production of prothrombin and fibrinogen, which entails a decrease in blood viscosity.

When diagnosing the above diseases, the patient is required to regularly donate blood for laboratory research in order to promptly identify a health hazard.

Why is pathology dangerous?

A decrease in viscosity is dangerous due to the development of bleeding, especially in patients who have received severe injuries, as well as in women during childbirth. Stopping bleeding in such patients can be quite difficult, especially if it was not possible to provide timely assistance and transport the person to the hospital.

One of the complications of blood disorders is vascular thrombosis, accompanied by tissue death

With increased viscosity, the following conditions pose a danger:

stroke;
ischemic heart attack;
vascular thrombosis with subsequent tissue necrosis.

Both conditions (increased and decreased coagulability) are not independent diseases. They are provoked by other pathologies. The risk of complications depends on the severity of the disease that caused the blood disorder.

Diagnostics

To diagnose increased or reduced viscosity blood, the patient must undergo a general analysis, which will show the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and other indicators. Another mandatory test is hematocrit. It allows you to identify the ratio of plasma and formed elements. The coagulogram determines the state of hemostasis.

In modern medical practice It also helps to determine blood viscosity special device- viscometer. During the examination, the doctor draws distilled water into one of the pipettes of the device, and blood into the other. After this, both containers are connected, a vacuum is formed inside. Columns of water and blood begin to move at different speeds, which makes it possible to evaluate viscosity. Based on the data obtained, the attending physician establishes an appropriate diagnosis and prescribes necessary treatment.

Treatment of high viscosity

How to reduce blood viscosity? To reduce the number of formed elements, the patient requires special therapy, including treatment of the pathology that provoked this condition. In addition, the patient is prescribed a diet and medications that reduce the density of leukocytes, red blood cells and platelets.

There is no specific treatment regimen. Treatment tactics always depend on clinical picture at the patient. TO general principles Combating high viscosity includes correction of metabolic processes, prevention of blood clots, and treatment of neoplasms of hematopoietic tissue.

Drug treatment

Basics medicine, used to reduce blood viscosity is aspirin. The drug reduces viscosity and prevents the formation of clots. Although the medicine is sold without a prescription, self-treatment using it is not recommended. The dose and regimen of taking Aspirin depend on the characteristics of the patient’s condition and are selected exclusively by the doctor.

Treatment of the disease is often carried out with the help of Aspirin and drugs that have similar action

Among other medications used for the disease, the following should be highlighted:

Ginkgo biloba,
Cardiomagnyl,
Aspecard,
Fenilin,
Aescusan.

This or that drug is prescribed taking into account the person’s diagnosis, because increased viscosity is a consequence of the most various pathologies. Pregnant women are often prescribed the medicine Curantil. In addition to its ability to thin the blood, it strengthens the walls of veins and capillaries and has an immunomodulatory effect.

Patients suffering from varicose veins of the legs are recommended to take Curantil in combination with Lyoton. This medicinal union prevents the formation of blood clots and increases blood circulation through the vessels. For thrombosis, patients are prescribed drugs such as Warfarin and Heparin.

Any medications used under strict medical supervision. Self-medication for this state unacceptable.

Nutritional Features

Helps reduce blood viscosity special diet. In medical practice it is called table No. 10. This food is often prescribed for various cardiovascular pathologies, during recovery after a heart attack, with atherosclerosis, coronary disease hearts.

The following products help reduce increased blood density:

berries - blueberries, cherries, strawberries, white and red currants, gooseberries, cranberries;
fruits – oranges, lemons, peaches, apples;
vegetables - cucumbers, tomatoes, beets;
spices – garlic, ginger, pepper, cinnamon;
dark chocolate, cocoa, coffee.

These are just some of the foods that have a positive effect on the body. You can learn more about the diet from a nutritionist or your doctor.

Patients with pathology are recommended to introduce garlic, ginger and others into their daily diet. healthy foods

Traditional treatment

With your doctor's permission you can try auxiliary treatment by using folk remedies. For this they use healing properties some herbs and plants. Yellow sweet clover herb, hawthorn berries, meadowsweet, valerian root, lemon balm, narrow-leaved fireweed and others have thinning properties. The herbs can be brewed and drunk instead of tea, separately or together. You are allowed to drink no more than a glass per day medicinal drink.

Flax oil has good thinning and antithrombotic properties. The product helps to establish metabolic processes, remove excess cholesterol, prevent the development of atherosclerosis. It is recommended to drink the oil one tablespoon after sleep on an empty stomach. The course of therapy should be 2 weeks, then a break and repeat treatment.

Another effective remedy – Apple vinegar. This product helps remove waste, toxins and other negative products from the body. You should drink vinegar for 1.5–2 months, 2 teaspoons diluted in a glass of water.

How to deal with low viscosity

An increase in the number of formed elements is less common in patients than increased density. Increases blood viscosity by normal drinking regimen, refusal to take long hot baths, timely reduction of temperature during various diseases.

Whatever the reason for the imbalance in the ratio of plasma and formed elements, it is important to take all necessary measures to normalize the composition of the blood. Timely diagnosis pathologies and proper treatment of the disease will help prevent possible complications, preserve the health and life of the patient.