"Blood clots" are really like roadblocks that quietly block the smooth flow of our blood. It travels around with the bloodstream, setting up cards in key passages of the body. Imagine that if it reaches the brain, it may cause a cerebral infarction, if it is blocked in the heart, it may induce a heart attack, and if it unfortunately gets stuck in the lungs, it is a pulmonary embolism.
Worryingly, many blood clots are silent before they form or even before they become sick, and we may not feel anything unusual at all.
So, how does a blood clot slowly "grow"? How do we catch the "danger signal" of a blood clot? "Life Times" specially invited two experts in the cardiovascular field to teach us how to prevent these potential dangers in advance.
Let's meet today's interviewees:
Jiang Li is the chief physician of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.
Jia Na is the deputy chief physician of the Department of Cardiology at Beijing Hospital.
Next, let's listen to the advice of experts and learn how to prevent problems before they happen!
The little secret of the growth of blood clots
Did you know that we have an ingenious balance system hidden in our blood, which is the mutual play of the two forces of blood clotting and anticoagulation. They are constantly "tugging" to ensure that our blood flows happily through the veins and does not form annoying blood clots.
But life is always full of uncertainties, isn't it? When we encounter special circumstances, such as blood flow becoming lazy, clotting factors losing temper, or a small injury to the blood vessels, this balance system can be broken. At this time, our body may enter a "thrombophilic state", which is like laying a breeding ground for blood clots.
With the passage of time, especially when we get older, are always sedentary, are under heavy pressure, or are entangled with chronic diseases such as the "three highs", the thrombolysis assistant in the body may start to nap. At this time, a blood clot may be quietly "raised" in the blood vessels.
Oh, yes! If you're a foodie who prefers high-fat and high-fat treats, or your mood is always on a rollercoaster, or you're a night owl who likes to smoke and drink a lot, then you may be providing a fertile ground for blood clots to grow.
As a reminder, long train or plane trips, due to lack of hydration and exercise, can make your venous blood flow to your lower extremities become lazy. At this time, the small plugs in the blood prefer to stick to the wall, deposit, and finally become a thrombus.
When our blood vessels are damaged a little bit, blood clots will form immediately like a caring little nurse to protect the blood from flowing out. But sometimes, for some reason, there may be a little bit of an episode in the repair process, causing the blood clots to become more and more numerous, and finally it becomes a headache blood clot that blocks the blood vessels tightly.
Don't ignore the little signals your body gives you!
The little trick of blood clots is sometimes really good at hide and seek. It may be hidden in the heart, brain, or lower limbs, lungs, and is always elusive.
Dr. Jiang Li reminds us that when the body shows these small signals, we should pay attention:
Warning of cerebral artery thrombosis (cerebral infarction):
A sudden spike in blood pressure or a plunge in the water? It could be a cerebral infarction knocking on the door.
Sudden hemorrhage from the nose and fundus? Patients with high blood pressure should be especially careful of the sneak attack of cerebral infarction.
Yawning? Maybe the brain is shouting "lack of oxygen"!
Wobbly walking? That's a precursor symptom of cerebral infarction, don't ignore it!
Dizziness, nausea and vomiting -- these are common faces of cerebral infarction.
A sudden headache? That could be an "early warning sign" from a cerebral infarction.
Small hints of coronary artery thrombosis (myocardial infarction):
Angina is getting more frequent? Could it be that the coronary arteries are crying out for help.
Feeling sick in the throat or neck? That could be a prelude to a heart attack.
Pain other than chest pain, such as shoulder pain, back pain, epigastric pain, are all "face changes" of angina.
Venous thrombosis reminders:
Sudden swelling and pain in the lower limbs, strange color, may be a venous thrombosis, see a doctor immediately!
Remember, every little signal your body gives you is worth our attention. Let's make intimate little padded jackets for the body together, and firmly grasp health in our own hands!
Preventing blood clots starts with the small details of life
Jia Na, deputy chief physician of the Department of Cardiology at Beijing Hospital, reminds us that some people are more "favored" by blood clots and need to be especially careful:
Family history of thrombosis
Patients with high blood pressure
Diabetics
Smoker friends
Sitting or standing for long periods of time
Taking estrogen
Those who have ever had a blood clot
Blood clots don't form overnight, they are chronic. So, starting with the little things in our daily life, we can try to avoid them as much as possible.
The first point:
Eat healthy
Eating too many calorie-rich, high-fat foods can be unbearable for the cardiovascular system.
Remember to eat more vegetables and fruits every day, such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, and peas.
Whole grains are also good, such as whole grains, oats, legumes, and contain good things.
There are also deep-sea fish, like sardines, salmon, tuna, which are eaten several times a week and are best steamed.
The second point:
Drink water promptly
Drinking water can thin your blood. Drinking 2000-2500 ml a day is about the same, drinking too little is not good, and drinking too much is not good.
Point 3:
Move it
Choose your favorite exercise and do it regularly. 30-50 minutes each time, 3-5 times a week, moderate intensity is fine.
You should also move between work and study, walk, stretch your waist, or move your ankle joint.
Fourth point:
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
Nicotine is bad and hurts blood vessels. Therefore, quit smoking if you can, and try to avoid second-hand smoke if you can't.
Point 5:
Dress loosely
Clothes, shoes and socks should not be too tight, blood needs space to circulate.
Point 6:
Take medicine and listen to the doctor
If the blood clots too easily, you should listen to your doctor's advice and take some anticoagulants.
One final note:
Regular medical check-ups
If someone in your family has had a blood clot in their hands, it's a good idea to have their blood vessels checked every year. ▲
In this way, we can better prevent blood clots and maintain good health!