"In my office, there's a true story like this. Mr. Wang, a 72-year-old retiree, has always been in good health. Over the years, he has firmly believed in the idea that regular fluids twice a year can unclog blood vessels and prevent blood clots. For him, it has almost become an indispensable health guarantee. However, on a calm afternoon last year, Mr. Wang suddenly fainted and was rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with cerebral thrombosis. This incident not only shocked his family, but also made those around him who believed in the same method begin to question: Can regular annual infusions really effectively unclog blood vessels and prevent blood clots?
Blood clots: a silent crisis, how is it formed?
Thrombosis formation is a complex and insidious process, and the mechanism of its formation is crucial, and understanding this mechanism is essential for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis. The formation of blood clots usually involves three key factors, known as the Wilhoff triad: changes in blood flow, damage to the vascular endothelium, and abnormalities in blood composition.
Changes in blood mobility: Normally, blood flows smoothly and efficiently transports oxygen and nutrients. When blood flow slows down or the flow pattern changes, such as in the case of prolonged immobility or heart failure, cells and proteins in the blood are more likely to clump and form clots.
Vascular endothelial damage: Blood vessels are the conduits through which blood is transported, and the health of their inner walls (endothelium) directly affects blood flow. When the endothelium of blood vessels is damaged, such as atherosclerosis, damage caused by high blood pressure, or physical injury, it triggers the body's clotting mechanism and increases the risk of thrombosis.
Abnormalities in blood composition: Changes in blood composition, particularly abnormal increases in platelets and clotting factors, can also increase the likelihood of thrombosis. For example, in certain genetic disorders, malignancies, or with the use of certain drugs, the number or activity of platelets may be abnormally increased.
Once a blood clot has formed, it can block important blood vessels, such as those in the heart, brain or lungs, leading to serious health problems such as myocardial infarction, stroke or pulmonary embolism. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of thrombosis formation and taking preventive measures is essential to maintain health.
Demystifying the scientific thrombosis prevention strategy
In the medical community, there is much more to preventing blood clots than the legendary annual infusion. First of all, we need to understand that the formation of blood clots is a complex physiological process, involving a variety of factors such as blood composition, blood vessel status, and individual lifestyle habits. Therefore, scientific prevention of thrombosis requires multi-faceted considerations and comprehensive measures.
Use medications wisely: For people at risk of blood clots, your doctor may recommend anticoagulant medications. These drugs can prevent the formation of blood clots by reducing the tendency of blood to clot. However, it is important to note that the use of anticoagulant drugs must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, as they may cause side effects such as bleeding.
Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular physical activity, weight control, smoking cessation and alcohol restriction are all effective ways to prevent blood clots. Especially for patients with hypertension (increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries) and diabetes mellitus (abnormal glucose metabolism), good lifestyle habits are especially important to manage these underlying conditions and thus reduce the risk of blood clots.
Regular physical examination: timely monitoring of physical conditions and blood indicators, such as blood lipids, blood sugar, blood pressure, etc., can help detect the risk of blood clots early. This is especially critical in middle-aged and older people, as the risk of blood clots increases with age.
Disease management: For patients with pre-existing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, strictly following the doctor's instructions and managing their diseases reasonably is the key to preventing thrombosis recurrence. For example, patients with heart disease need to strictly control their blood lipids and blood pressure, and follow their doctor's instructions for medication.
Infusion Therapy - Real Utility or False Comfort?
Infusion therapy, usually referred to as the administration of fluids through the intravenous route to replace body fluids, correct electrolyte imbalances, or provide medication. In folklore, there is an opinion that specific infusion therapy can "unclog blood vessels" and prevent blood clots. However, this statement is not universally accepted in the medical community.
First, let's analyze the formation of blood clots. Thrombosis is mainly formed by the abnormal accumulation of fibrin and platelets in the blood vessels. Its formation is associated with a variety of factors, including impaired blood flow, damage to blood vessel walls, and abnormalities in blood components. Therefore, it is difficult to prevent blood clots at the root only by regular infusions.
When exploring the effectiveness of infusion therapy, we must be clear about its components. Common fluids include saline, glucose solutions, etc., which are mainly used to replenish body fluids and electrolytes, rather than directly prevent blood clots. Although certain medications, such as anticoagulants, can be used for thrombosis treatment or prophylaxis, these treatments must be done under the guidance of a doctor because inappropriate use can cause serious side effects such as bleeding.
In addition, the risks that may come with regular infusions cannot be ignored. Unnecessary or excessive fluids can lead to fluid overload, increase the burden on the heart and kidneys, and may even induce heart failure. Also, there is a risk of infection with each venipuncture, and frequent infusions over a long period of time may increase the chance of infection.