"Thick blood" is a philistine definition of a complex of symptoms arising as a result of one of the 3 mechanisms of pathogenesis: an increase in the content of erythrocytes (above 5.1 * 10 ^ 12 / l in women and 5.6 * 10 ^ 12 / l in men) and hematocrit (44% and 49%, respectively); excessive amount of hemoglobin (more than 145 g / l in women and 165 g / l in men); exceeding the permissible viscosity indicators (the result of viscometry is higher than 4.9 for women and 5.4 for men). In the pathogenesis of the condition, 3 aspects are distinguished: increased cytosis, dyslipid and dysproteinemia, dehydration.
Etiology of the appearance of thick blood
Thick blood can be the result of an acutely developed condition or a consequence of chronic diseases, may be due to congenital and acquired pathologies or a feature of the physiological state of a woman.
It also occurs due to the combined action of several factors and as one of the links in pathogenesis when any of the reasons are influenced by the body:
Clinical manifestations
"Blood thickening" is a secondary manifestation of the underlying disease, the symptoms of which prevail over the symptoms of impaired blood homeostasis.
Clinical signs:
- deterioration of microcirculation of the limbs and skin leads to hypo- and paresthesias (tingling, goose bumps, numbness), a drop in skin temperature;
- a decrease in microcirculation in the brain tissues leads to chronic fatigue syndrome; depressive conditions;
- a compensatory increase in pressure in the arterioles of the head is manifested by a headache;
- dry lips and mucous membranes, a decrease in intraocular pressure and a small amount of urine indicate dehydration of the body;
- an increase in viscosity causes an overload of the heart muscle.
With a decrease in microcirculation, overloading leads to angina pectoris, heart failure, arterial hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias. A decrease in venous outflow in the lower extremities causes a subjective feeling of heaviness and an objective expansion and bulging of the saphenous veins.
Often, only the results of tests reveal thick blood. Symptoms in women of fertile period are complemented by nocturnal nosebleeds before menstruation, some forms of infertility, and spontaneous abortions in early pregnancy.
Treatment of "blood thickening"
Treatment of pathology in non-pregnant women begins with the search for the cause of "blood thickening" and its elimination. As a prophylactic measure, women who have entered menopause are advised to take low-dose aspirin daily unless contraindicated.
Self-medication is unacceptable! Taking any medication after consulting a doctor.
In patients with chronic causes of "blood thickening", metabolic disorders are corrected. In an acute illness accompanied by the appearance of "thick blood", most often it is enough to cope with the main pathogenetic mechanism.
Treatment of "blood thickening" - symptomatic... When hypercoagulability is detected according to the results of the examination, drugs with antiplatelet (Aspirin, Curantil and others) and anticoagulant (Heparin, Fraxiparin, Fenilin and others) activity are used. These drugs are prescribed to prevent thrombosis.
When hypocoagulation and a tendency to bleeding are detected in patients, prevention of hemorrhagic syndrome is carried out. For this purpose, transfusions of platelet components and donor plasma are used, plasmapheresis and hemosorption are performed. An equally important aspect is the correction of the drinking regime and nutrition. Patients are advised to exclude:
- White bread;
- sugar, carbonated drinks;
- fatty, spicy and salty foods;
- canned foods.
In the absence of contraindications, it is necessary to expand the drinking regime: at least 2 liters of clean water per day.
The diet should include:
- sprouted wheat, artichokes;
- ginger, cinnamon, or celery;
- lemon and cranberries;
- seafood;
- linseed oil;
- nuts - 30 g / day or sunflower seed;
- cocoa or dark chocolate.
We know very well that it is necessary to prevent cardiovascular diseases, strengthen the heart muscle, and very often we do not pay attention to the state of our blood. But the state of the entire cardiovascular system, and ultimately the health of the whole organism, largely depends on the state of the blood.
Blood- this is the main living environment, on the quality of which all processes in organs and cells depend.
Blood consists of two parts: plasma (liquid part) and formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets) suspended in it.
The main function of blood is the transport function. It consists in the transfer of respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), hormones, minerals and many other substances to organs and tissues by the blood.
In case of violation of the quality of blood, primarily thickening, acidification, an increase in cholesterol, blood sugar, etc., its transport function is hampered, which leads to a violation of redox processes throughout the body, including in the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and etc. This is why it is so important to maintain blood quality within optimal homeostasis.
Causes of blood thickening
Very often, the main cause of thick blood is a lack of water in the body. If the body does not have enough water for its vital functions, then it extracts it from the blood, which leads to a decrease in the mass of the liquid part of the blood and it becomes more viscous.
Diabetes mellitus, alcohol intake, smoking, hypothermia and even stress can lead to blood clots.
What does a person feel if he has thick blood?
Increased blood viscosity does not differ in any characteristic symptoms. Thickening of the blood is often accompanied by general weakness, drowsiness, headache, memory impairment, absent-mindedness, rapid fatigue, depression. Many people experience dry mouth and high blood pressure. Venous nodules may appear on the legs, the limbs are constantly cold.
Such symptoms can manifest themselves in many other diseases, and we rarely associate our poor health with the presence of thick blood in us.
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all and hypercoagulability is discovered by chance during blood tests. This is why annual checkups are so important.
How to confirm fears that you have thick blood?
In order to determine whether you really have thick blood, it is necessary to pass the following tests: general blood test, blood clotting test and bleeding duration, coagulogram, hematocrit (the sum of all blood elements - erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, in relation to the total blood volume ).
Why thick blood is dangerous
Thick blood leads to a slowdown in blood flow, which leads to oxygen starvation and disruption of organ trophism. The most formidable consequence of an increase in blood viscosity is the formation of blood clots.
If you do not pay attention to the symptoms in time and do not eliminate the causes of blood thickening, then very unpleasant consequences can occur.
Thick blood can cause hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, heart attack and stroke.
More often, thick blood occurs, of course, in elderly people, but there is a tendency to an increase in the number of young people and middle-aged people with this pathology. Increased blood viscosity is more common in men than in women. The risk of myocardial infarction is very high in young men with an increased number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, who do not pay attention to their health. But by eliminating the causes of blood thickening, they could avoid it.
What to do if you have thick blood
To solve the problem of thick blood, doctors usually prescribe Aspirin (1/4 tablet per day) and other drugs based on it (Aspirin-cardio, Cardiopyrin, Cardiomagnil, ThromboASS), as well as Coumadin (Warfarin).
I want to tell you on the prevention of blood thickening and treatment with folk remedies .
Many people drink very little pure water, replacing it with tea, coffee, and sweet soda. An adult should drink 2 - 2.5 liters of liquid per day, of which at least 1 liter should be pure water. Even more in the heat. Train your children to drink water. Natural water is a very powerful remedy against blood clots and blood clots.
Diet with thick blood
If you have thick blood, you need to monitor your diet. Eliminate fatty and fried foods, smoked meats, canned food and marinades from your diet. Sugar and any other sweets are not recommended.
Blood-thickening foods should be limited. Here is a list of them: meat broths, fatty meat, sausages, jellied meat, bananas, mangoes, cabbage, cream, white bread, chokeberry, viburnum, lentils, grape juice, rose hips, buckwheat.
But do not be upset, there are a lot of delicious foods that, on the contrary, will help thin the blood.
Blood thinning foods: garlic, beets, ginger, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, cherries, plums, lemon, orange, grapefruit, pomegranate, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, red bell pepper, artichoke, wheat germ, sea fish, cocoa, dark chocolate , sunflower seeds.
For blood thinning, products containing the amino acid taurine are recommended. Most taurine is found in seafood (fish, shellfish, shrimp, etc.). These foods should be consumed at least 2 to 3 times a week. Please note that cooking food will significantly reduce the amount of taurine in food. Therefore, to obtain the required dose, you should take high quality dietary supplements with taurine.
Eat seaweed regularly. Dry seaweed can be ground in a coffee grinder and eaten instead of regular salt.
An additional source of Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids is flaxseed oil, which can be taken one tablespoon per day. Prostaglandins, synthesized from these acids, lower cholesterol levels and thin the blood. Olive oil (unrefined, cold pressed) has the same properties.
Walnut increases blood viscosity, but in combination with other herbs it is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, varicose veins, the effects of a stroke, etc. The same applies to the Japanese Sophora.
Large amounts of salt increase the viscosity of the blood.
Physical activity
Don't forget about physical activity. To keep your circulatory system healthy, you need to move. It can be running, swimming, fitness, dancing, yoga - whatever sports you like.
Running is the easiest and most accessible of them. Many people think that you need to run in the morning, but this is not the case. In the morning, the viscosity of the blood is increased and the heart, even without load, is not easy to push it through the vessels. It is better to run in the evenings, and in the morning you can do a light warm-up.
Give up smoking and alcohol
They significantly increase the viscosity of the blood.
Attention! Diuretics, hormonal and contraceptive drugs, as well as Viagra - thicken the blood.
Blood thickening medicinal herbs
These herbs include: plantain, shepherd's purse, knotweed, tansy, valerian, horsetail, St. John's wort, burnet, corn silk, nettle (fresh leaves). Herbs should be drunk in courses and by no means constantly.
Blood thinning medicinal herbs
For blood thinning in folk medicine, the following are used: wormwood, chicory, lungwort, meadowsweet, duck peony, hawthorn, lemon balm, red clover, ginkgo biloba, Caucasian dioscorea, willow bark, mulberry, acacia, sweet clover, horse chestnut (but only its peel, themselves chestnut fruits are very poisonous), aloe and Kalanchoe juice.
Traditional medicine recipes for thick blood
In folk medicine, there are many effective drugs that can replace Aspirin. I will share with you some of them.
1. Meadowsweet (meadowsweet).
1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of meadowsweet with one glass of boiling water and insist for 30 minutes. Strain and drink like tea. A decoction of meadowsweet is indicated for various problems with the blood and vascular system, tumors. It improves memory, cleanses blood vessels, and has a sedative effect. May replace Aspirin.
2. Horse chestnut.
Grind the fruit of the horse chestnut with a hammer and collect the brown rind. Throw away the fruits themselves (they are poisonous), and pour 50 g of the peel with 0.5 liters of vodka. Leave for 2 weeks in a dark place, then strain. Take 2 - 3 times a day, one teaspoon, mixed with ¼ glass of warm water. Drink on an empty stomach. You can eat no earlier than 30 minutes after taking the tincture.
3. Nutmeg.
Grind the nutmeg. Pour 100 g of nutmeg with 0.5 liters of vodka. For 2 - 3 weeks, insist in a dark place, then strain. Drink 20-30 drops per ¼ glass of warm water, 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
4. Garlic, honey and lemon.
1/3 can of finely chopped garlic and 2/3 vodka. Bank of any size. For 2 weeks we insist in a dark place, shaking every 2 - 3 days, then strain. Add honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the tincture in a 1: 1: 1 ratio. To stir thoroughly. Take one tablespoon 1 time per day before bedtime. Store in a cool, dark place.
Biologically active additives (BAA)
- Flavite is a powder of dihydroquercetin (obtained from Siberian larch and Daurian larch wood). For prophylaxis, take one capsule daily.
- Dihydroquercetin - made from the same raw materials. Take one tablet once a day.
- Capilar - the same raw material. Reduces blood viscosity. Take 1 - 2 tablets 3 times a day.
For the prevention of blood thickening, these drugs are used in courses of 3 weeks. Break between courses 7 - 10 days.
Hirudotherapy for blood thickening
The most effective method of traditional medicine in the fight against high blood viscosity is hirudotherapy (leech therapy). Leeches, injecting saliva containing many different enzymes (including hirudin), can significantly improve the properties of blood and reduce its viscosity.
The state of the blood affects the functioning of all systems of the body, since it is not only a connecting link between them, but also ensures the vitality of each. The flow rate depends on its viscosity. If it is increased, the organs do not receive the necessary elements for normal operation. Thick blood, causes and treatment in women during pregnancy is of particular importance, as it can harm the health of both the mother and the baby.
Why does the blood get thick
Plasma, which contains trace elements, ions, proteins, hormones and other active substances and blood cells that perform various biological functions, are two components that make up the main biological fluid of the body. The ratio of cell mass and plasma normally provides free blood flow through the vessels. In analyzes, it is estimated as the hematocrit number. Its change in the direction of increase indicates an increase in viscosity.
It thickens due to the increase in blood
- the number of red blood cells;
- hematocrit;
- hemoglobin.
The viscosity is also influenced by the concentration of proteins - fibrinogen and prothrombin. The increase causes adhesion of erythrocytes, which is dangerous with consequences in the form of thrombosis.
A decrease in the volume of the liquid part of the blood can occur due to:
- General dehydration of the body due to factors: a reduced volume of drinking fluid; Fever due to infection or in hot climates increased vomiting, diarrhea; diabetes; impaired renal function.
- Continuous use of drugs: diuretics, NSAIDs, oral contraceptives, for the treatment of impotence, for the treatment of diseases of the adrenal cortex.
- Pathology of metabolic processes. In this case, the blood is saturated with under-oxidized products, which provokes the transfer of part of the water from the plasma to the surrounding tissues.
- Respiratory pathologies. A decrease in oxygen supply to the blood leads to a deterioration in the condition of blood cells.
- Lipid imbalance. The release of excess cholesterol and other lipids into the blood makes the blood viscous.
- Inflammatory processes. They cause the appearance of a large number of immune cells in the blood.
- Chronic stress. They lead to an increase in the content of glucose, cholesterol in the blood, which worsens its condition.
- Thermal burns, diseases of the liver, pancreas, blood (erythremia, leukemia, myeloma), blood vessels (varicose veins), malnutrition, obesity, smoking, staying in a polluted atmosphere, alcohol abuse.
Increased blood viscosity can be genetically determined.
Thick blood: symptoms in women
There are no specific symptoms of blood thickening, the symptoms of the disease that caused this condition are most clearly manifested. But a number of signs can be distinguished due to the obstruction of blood circulation:
- a feeling of fatigue, drowsiness, a tendency to depression are associated with a decrease in blood flow in the microvessels of the brain;
- coldness of the skin of the extremities, numbness, goosebumps and tingling sensations are explained by a deterioration in blood circulation in the skin capillaries;
- headache appears in response to a compensatory increase in blood pressure in the small vessels of the brain;
- dry mucous membranes, scanty urination - signs of dehydration;
- disturbances in the work of the heart - signs of angina pectoris, heart failure, hypertension, rhythm disturbances are caused both by overload when pumping blood of high viscosity, and by a violation of blood circulation in the small vessels of the myocardium.
Diagnostics
When questioning and examining, it is impossible to clearly determine the pathology, since its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is given only by laboratory research. If you suspect that the patient has thick blood, what tests show deviations:
- general analysis reveals an increase in the number of red blood cells, other cells, high hemoglobin;
- hematocrit - determines the shift in the ratio of the amount of plasma and cell mass;
- coagulogram reflects the state of the coagulation system;
- determination of the APTT index allows you to assess how much the blood is located to the rapid formation of clots
- biochemical analysis, sugar samples, urine analysis are performed to clarify the cause of blood thickening.
Dangerous consequences
First of all, the load on the heart increases, since the viscous blood must be pushed through the vessels with greater force. The heart muscle first hypertrophies, and then, with depletion of compensatory mechanisms, it becomes thinner and loses its ability to contract adequately. Heart failure develops.
The slow flow of blood leads to gluing of erythrocytes, there is oxygen starvation of tissues, a lack of their nutrition. The walls of blood vessels are damaged, which facilitates the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, large blood clots. The result is deadly complications -
- heart attacks;
- strokes;
- thromboembolism.
Treatment
Troubleshooting problems associated with increased blood viscosity should begin with identifying and treating the underlying cause of the condition. Moreover, it should be comprehensive, regular and adequate. It should be carried out only under medical supervision with periodic checking of laboratory parameters.
Causes of a chronic nature require constant correction of metabolic disorders, and acute conditions can be stopped by acting on the main mechanism that causes blood thickening.
Medicinal effects
To thin the blood and reduce the risk of blood clots, anticoagulants are used:
- Heparin,
- Warfarin,
- Fraxiparine,
- Phenilin.
Another group of drugs is antiplatelet agents:
- Magnecard,
- Aspirin,
- Cardiomagnet,
- Curantil,
- Cardiopyrin.
In treatment, drugs from these groups cannot be combined.
Diet
It is of great importance for the composition of the blood. In order to eliminate increased viscosity, it is recommended to reduce or exclude from the usual diet.
- milk and its products, cream,
- meat products, especially canned ones,
- fatty, spicy, salty,
- egg yolk,
- yeast bread,
- chocolate,
- coffee,
- lentils,
- grape,
- bananas,
- buckwheat,
- sugar and sweets.
Foods rich in taurine, ascorbic acid and omega-3 fatty acids help make the blood thinner:
- sea fish, shrimps, mussels, other seafood;
- seaweed;
- citrus fruits, apples, pomegranates;
- plums, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries;
- beets, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, ginger, nuts, seeds;
- cocoa;
- linseed, olive oil.
The drinking regime should also be adjusted. You should drink an average of about 2 liters of water during the day. Do not take into account tea, coffee and sugary drinks.
Physical activity
Inactivity contributes to an increase in blood density, so it is worth establishing a mode of moderate physical activity. It is better to do it in the evening, since in the morning hours a person's blood is more viscous.
Herbal medicine
Traditional medicine advises wormwood, sweet clover, chicory, meadowsweet, lungwort, lemon balm, duck peony, hawthorn, red clover, acacia, ginkgo biloba, Caucasian dioscorea willow bark, mulberry, aloe and Kalanchoe juice, horse chestnut (peel, decoction of flowers ), nettle. You can learn more about herbal treatment.
Hirudotherapy
Leech therapy is an effective and natural way to combat thickening of the blood.
To prevent complications and exclude side effects, treatment by any method should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician.
Thick blood: causes and treatment in women during pregnancy
The period of pregnancy requires all efforts from the female body. An increase in blood viscosity in expectant mothers is a physiological phenomenon. This is how nature protects a woman from possible large blood loss during childbirth. This becomes a problem with a significant deviation of laboratory parameters from the norm.
Pathological blood thickening when carrying a child may be due to
- insufficient intake of water with food;
- deficiency of vitamins, trace elements, minerals, since the formation of the fetus requires a large amount of them;
- enzyme deficiency;
- increased work of the spleen;
- taking iron preparations;
- excess protein and carbohydrates in the diet.
In addition, pathology of the liver, kidneys, intestines, blood loss, increased coagulability, severe pain also contribute to blood clotting and can lead to miscarriages.
Lack of attention to excessively viscous blood during pregnancy is dangerous
- the formation of thrombosis, heart attacks and strokes, varicose veins in the mother;
- fading pregnancy, its premature termination, fetal growth retardation, hypoxia.
Healthy blood is the key to the healthy life of the whole organism, therefore it is extremely important to maintain its condition within the normal range. In case of any deviation, you should definitely consult a doctor and carry out the necessary treatment.
Why does the blood thicken, what does it mean and how to recognize and treat an ailment at home with medication and folk remedies.
With an increased level of hemoglobin in the test results, a person often comes to the conclusion that he has thick blood. This is not entirely true, different states are meant by viscosity. The norms depend on the age of the patient and his characteristics, therefore, the density can change as he grows up, as well as in various pathological conditions of the body. When talking about thick blood, the following is implied:
- the number of red blood cells is increased;
- increased hemoglobin level;
- the relationship between red blood and plasma is disturbed.
Thick blood during pregnancy is a common occurrence that almost every woman encounters. If the indicators are too far from the norm, it is necessary to carefully monitor the changes, as this can lead to miscarriage (miscarriage).
Treatment of such a condition usually does not cause difficulties, the therapist will easily give recommendations on changing the diet and lifestyle, and, if necessary, will prescribe medications for liquefaction. During pregnancy, the gynecologist or therapist will tell you what to do if the blood is thick, taking into account the woman's position and her history. Most often, she is advised to inject a special liquefaction drug throughout the pregnancy. With the appearance of viscosity, a person often feels the symptoms of such a pathology, but does not attach importance to them. An attentive attitude to your body will allow you to normalize the indicators in time.
Causes and symptoms
The diagnosis of "thick blood" does not exist, which means that the symptoms of such a phenomenon may indicate other malfunctions in the body. Despite this, there are some signs, when they appear, it is recommended to get tested. Symptoms of possible hypercoagulability (viscosity) are as follows:
- general weakness and a constant desire to sleep;
- cold hands and feet, regardless of the air temperature;
- dizziness and headache.
These signs are characteristic of thousands of diseases, and if we are talking about a woman carrying a child, the presence of such symptoms does not mean at all that thick blood will be detected during pregnancy. Expectant mothers feel this discomfort almost all the time.
In addition, there are additional signs that appear much less often:
- changes in skin condition - severe dryness, bluish tint, hypersensitivity to cold;
- on the part of the nervous system - depression, irritability, nervousness, anxiety and distraction;
- slow bleeding with cuts, and the inability to bear the child (constant miscarriages);
- symptoms of varicose veins (bulging, heaviness in the legs).
Such symptoms are not manifested in everyone, therefore, if there are suspicions of thick blood, the cause must be identified as early as possible, because the treatment depends on it. Many factors can cause pathology, the main ones are:
In men, the blood itself is more viscous than in women, due to the presence of male hormones - androgens. This suggests that they have a slightly higher risk of pathology. In older people, viscosity is almost always increased, this is considered a variant of the norm, since it is associated with age-related changes. In the younger generation, this ailment is caused by some reason, often - the use of poor-quality water and insufficiently good ecology.
How to thin thick blood
It is by no means possible to ignore such a pathology as increased blood viscosity. It is necessary to take action if there are symptoms and the analysis showed that the person has thick blood. What to do in such a situation, the doctor will tell you exactly, since you should definitely find out the reason. Treatment can be prescribed with medications or folk remedies that have a thinning effect. As a rule, doctors advise to combine these methods, depending on the specific case.
The first thing to do if the blood is thick is to eat right. It is on this that the success of the fight against the disease largely depends. Many products are able to normalize blood circulation and ensure the fulfillment of all its functions. The most important thing to do with treatment is to drink enough fluids. With its lack, not a single medicinal and folk remedy can cope with viscosity and normalize the state of the body. In addition, you should include the following foods in your diet:
Regular consumption of these products will avoid aggravating the situation and keep blood density under control.
Before looking for ways to thin your blood, you need to reconsider your lifestyle. This is very important, since the effectiveness of treatment depends on such a factor. You must adhere to the following rules:
- to refuse from bad habits;
- workout;
- spend a lot of time walking in the fresh air;
- to rest both physically, there and mentally;
- avoid stressful situations.
After fulfilling all the rules, you can proceed to specific actions aimed at normalizing blood viscosity.
Folk remedies
There are many popular recipes with which you can get rid of the thickness of the blood. It should be remembered that their use must be agreed with a doctor, since in some cases, it is impossible to do without drugs at all. Popular methods include the following:
- Fresh juices. Vitamins and trace elements contained in the composition have a beneficial effect on the coagulation system, thinning the blood.
- Apple vinegar. Regular intake of the solution, for the preparation of which you need 2 tsp. add vinegar to a glass of warm water, and you will quickly notice improvements. It is necessary to take this remedy in the morning, contraindications - diseases of the stomach and intestines.
- Linseed oil. Due to the large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, lipid metabolism is normalized, and blood viscosity decreases. It is necessary to take oil daily strictly on an empty stomach, 1 tbsp. in a day.
These funds will improve a person's condition, but it will not always be possible to completely cope with the problem. With blood viscosity caused by any disease, it is necessary to take medications.
Medications
Taking medications to get rid of excess blood thickness is especially important for women planning a baby. Such a pathology often leads to the fact that each pregnancy ends in miscarriage, therefore, the doctor's recommendations should be taken very seriously. There are several types of drugs prescribed to combat the disease. They are all divided into 2 groups:
- Anticoagulants. The action of these substances is aimed at reducing blood clotting, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots. Some drugs begin to act immediately after administration, and are necessary for emergency blood thinning, these include Heparin. Others are used for prophylaxis and in cases where a gradual decrease in viscosity is necessary - Syncumar, Warfarin and others.
- Antiplatelet agents. These medicines are prescribed by your doctor to prevent platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots. These include Aspirin, Curantil, Trental and others.
It is not recommended to prescribe medications on your own, since the dosage and duration of treatment depends on the specific situation and diagnosis.
You can cope with thick blood, there is nothing complicated about it. The main thing is to follow all the doctor's recommendations and remember that the lack of treatment can lead to negative consequences for the whole body.
Blood viscosity is a very important indicator of a person's health status. This concept means the ratio of the number of corpuscles and blood plasma. The 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 threat of blood clots and other negative manifestations.
Signs of changes in blood viscosity
Human blood consists of corpuscles (leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets) and a liquid part (plasma). Normally, the part of the shaped elements is not more than 45% and not less than 40%. If this amount is increased, it is a matter of increased blood viscosity. If leukocytes, platelets and erythrocytes occupy less than 40%, it is customary to speak of reduced viscosity.
Increased density can be determined by the following manifestations in a patient:
- decreased visual acuity;
- noise in ears;
- heaviness in the legs;
- feeling of dry mouth;
- frequent headaches;
- decreased performance, drowsiness;
- numbness of the limbs;
- a feeling of creeping on the body;
- apathy, irritability, manifestations of depression.
With a reduced viscosity, the ability of the blood to clot is impaired. In such patients, subcutaneous bleeding, bloody discharge from the gums, hemorrhages into internal organs and other pathological conditions are diagnosed.
Why does 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 is contaminated with decay products, which provokes adhesion of erythrocytes, oxygen starvation of tissues;
- poor quality of consumed water. Poor quality water negatively affects the blood composition, leads to an increase in viscosity;
- heavy load on the liver. Due to the lack of minerals and vitamins, the liver ceases to cope with its tasks. This leads to an increase in the number of corpuscles in the blood. Abuse of smoked, spicy, salty, sour foods negatively affects the liver. Alcohol has a destructive effect on the body;
- dehydration of the body. If, during intense physical activity, a person does not consume enough water, this can provoke an increase in the density of the blood. In addition, diarrhea, taking large amounts of diuretics, vomiting and other conditions are the cause of dehydration;
- dysfunction of the spleen. Spleen hyperfunction leads to a disruption in the ratio of plasma and corpuscles.
A common cause of a pathological condition is liver disease with impaired enzyme synthesis
Due to an increase in viscosity, the 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 enhanced mode, since it is difficult for it to distill thick blood.
Important! Recently, there has been a tendency for an increase in blood viscosity not only in the elderly, but also in younger patients. This is facilitated by poor ecology, poor quality food and other factors.
Reasons for low viscosity
Sometimes the blood density decreases. Although liquefaction is diagnosed less often than high 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 bearing a child. When bleeding is opened, it can be very difficult to stop it, and it is often fatal.
Reduced blood viscosity occurs in humans against the background of the following conditions:
- taking drugs that include acetylsalicylic acid for a long period;
- overdose of heparin-based drugs;
- vitamin K deficiency;
- lack of calcium;
- malignant formations that provoke a decrease in the synthesis of formed elements;
- serious allergic reactions;
- liver pathology. Dysfunction 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 must regularly donate blood for laboratory research in order to timely identify a condition that is dangerous to health.
Why is pathology dangerous?
A decrease in viscosity is dangerous by the development of bleeding, especially in patients with severe injuries, as well as in women during childbirth. It can be quite difficult to stop bleeding in such patients, especially if it was not possible to provide timely assistance and deliver 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 are dangerous:
- stroke;
- ischemic infarction;
- vascular thrombosis with subsequent tissue necrosis.
Both conditions (increased and decreased coagulation) are not independent diseases. They are provoked by other pathologies. The risk of complications depends on the severity of the disease that caused the violation of the blood composition.
Diagnostics
To diagnose increased or decreased blood viscosity, the patient needs to undergo a general analysis, which will show the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and other indicators. Another required analysis is hematocrit. It allows you to identify the ratio of plasma and shaped elements. Coagulogram determines the state of hemostasis.
In modern medical practice, a special device - a viscometer - also helps to determine the viscosity of blood. During the study, the doctor collects distilled water into one of the pipettes of the device, and blood into the other. After that, 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 assess the viscosity. Based on the data obtained, the attending physician establishes an appropriate diagnosis, prescribes the necessary treatment.
High viscosity treatment
How to lower blood viscosity? To reduce the number of shaped elements, the patient needs special therapy, including treatment of the pathology that provoked this condition. In addition, the patient is prescribed a diet and drugs that lower the density of leukocytes, erythrocytes and platelets.
There is no specific therapy regimen. Treatment tactics always depend on the patient's clinical picture. The general principles of dealing with high viscosity include correction of metabolic processes, prevention of blood clots, and treatment of neoplasms of hematopoietic tissue.
Drug treatment
The main drug used to lower blood viscosity is aspirin. The drug reduces viscosity, prevents the formation of clots. Despite the fact that the drug is sold without a prescription, self-treatment with it is not recommended. The dose and regimen for 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 a similar effect.
Among other medications used for the disease, the following should be distinguished:
- Ginkgo biloba,
- Cardiomagnet,
- Aspeckard,
- Phenilin,
- Aescusan.
One or another drug is prescribed taking into account the diagnosis of a person, because increased viscosity is a consequence of a variety of pathologies. Women in position are often prescribed Curantil medicine. In addition to the ability to thin the blood, it strengthens the walls of veins and capillaries, has an immunomodulatory effect.
Patients suffering from varicose veins of the legs are advised to take Curantil in combination with Lyoton. Such a drug union prevents the formation of blood clots, enhances blood circulation through the vessels. With thrombosis, patients are prescribed drugs such as Warfarin and Heparin.
Any medications are used under the strict supervision of a physician. Self-medication in this condition is unacceptable.
Power features
A special diet helps to reduce the viscosity of the blood. In medical practice, it is called table number 10. This food is often prescribed for various cardiovascular pathologies, during the recovery period after a heart attack, with atherosclerosis, and ischemic heart disease.
The following foods help to reduce the increased density of blood:
- 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. For more information on diet, contact your dietitian or healthcare professional.
Patients with pathology are advised to introduce garlic, ginger and other useful foods into their daily diet.
Traditional treatment
With the permission of the doctor, you can try auxiliary treatment with folk remedies. For this, the healing properties of some herbs and plants are used. Liquefying properties are possessed by the herb of yellow melilot, hawthorn berries, elm-leaved meadowsweet, valerian root, lemon balm, narrow-leaved fireweed and others. The herbs can be brewed and drunk in place of tea, individually or together. It is allowed to drink no more than a glass of a medicinal drink per day.
Flax oil has good thinning and anti-thrombotic properties. The product helps to establish metabolic processes, remove excess cholesterol, and prevent the development of atherosclerosis. It is recommended to drink oil in a tablespoon after sleeping on an empty stomach. The course of therapy should be 2 weeks, then a break and repetition of treatment.
Another powerful remedy is apple cider vinegar. This product helps to remove toxins, toxins and other negative products from the body. 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 an increased density. Normal drinking regimen increases blood viscosity, refusal to take long hot baths, timely decrease in temperature in case of various diseases.
Whatever the reason for the violation of the ratio of plasma and formed elements, it is important to take all the necessary measures to normalize the blood composition. Timely diagnosis of pathology and competent therapy of the disease will help prevent possible complications, preserve the patient's health and life.
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