If you want to prevent blood clots, it is recommended to do these 7 points at ordinary times
Uncle Li has always felt some discomfort in his legs recently, and he has a dull pain when walking, and sometimes there is even a sudden sharp pain, which makes him feel very uncomfortable.
On this day, he sat on a park bench as usual, gently rubbing his aching leg.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke his musings, "Lao Li, what's wrong?'s leg is uncomfortable?" It turned out to be an old friend, Dr. Zhang.
Uncle Li sighed and said, "I don't know what's going on, I've always felt a little pain lately, especially after walking a lot." ”
After hearing this, Dr. Zhang's expression gradually became serious: "Lao Li, your situation sounds like a sign of venous thrombosis, and this should not be taken lightly. Once a blood clot forms and blocks a blood vessel, it's a problem."
This sentence made Uncle Li's heart tighten, although he had heard of the word blood clot, but he never thought that it would happen to him.
Blood clots, like "ghosts" that swim in blood vessels, can paralyze the blood transport system and even endanger life once they form and block blood vessels.
So, how exactly are blood clots "raised"?
01
The body's blood system is made up of a complex coagulation and anticoagulation system, which is finely balanced in a healthy state.
The coagulation system is responsible for stopping the bleeding quickly and preventing excessive blood loss when we are injured, while the anticoagulation system ensures that the blood does not clot inside the blood vessels for no reason, keeping the blood flowing.
When the balance between these two systems is disrupted, a blood clot may form.
Prolonged sitting, bedridden, or any condition that restricts physical activity can cause blood flow to slow down, especially in the veins of the legs, where slow blood flow can easily lead to the accumulation of clotting factors in the blood in an area and the formation of blood clots.
Certain genetic disorders or acquired pathological states can alter the activity of clotting factors in the blood, making the coagulation system overactive.
Damage to the lining of blood vessels can be caused by high blood pressure, tobacco exposure, or inflammation, and the damaged blood vessel wall is likely to be an ideal site for thrombosis.
02
1. Lungs - high-risk areas of venous thrombosis
Venous thrombosis especially tends to block the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism, which usually results from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities, which can form after prolonged bed rest, sitting or other low activity.
Once these blood clots break off, they travel with the bloodstream to the lungs, clogging the blood vessels in the lungs, which can quickly affect oxygen exchange, causing breathlessness, chest pain, and even death.
2. Brain - the direct target of cardiac thrombosis
Heart blood clots usually affect the heart, but when they form in a specific part of the heart, such as the left atrium, they may break off and be carried to the brain through the bloodstream, potentially causing a cerebral embolism.
3. Heart - the main battlefield of arterial thrombosis
Arterial blood clots, most commonly in the heart, particularly in the coronary arteries, block blood flow to the heart and cause myocardial infarction.
Typical symptoms of myocardial infarction include chest pain (which may radiate to other areas, such as the arms, neck, or jaw), difficulty breathing, cold sweats, and extreme fatigue.
03
1. Rational food
It is recommended to eat more fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and mackerel), whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits.
Eating less foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt can effectively reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
2. Exercise regularly
Consistent physical activity helps to promote blood circulation and reduce the accumulation of harmful components in the blood, thus preventing blood clots.
It is recommended to do at least 5 times a week for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, which not only enhances heart function but also improves overall hemodynamics.
3. Control blood sugar
Hyperglycemia increases blood viscosity and promotes increased activity of clotting factors in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of blood clots.
Whether you are diabetic or non-diabetic, it is very important to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
4. Control your weight and waist circumference
Being overweight and obese is a risk factor for several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the burden on the heart and reduces the chance of blood clots.
Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are common indicators to determine whether an individual is overweight.
5. Ensure adequate sleep time
Sleep deprivation has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Maintaining 7 to 8 hours of high-quality sleep per night can help the body restore and regulate various physiological functions to maintain the health of the blood system.
6. Regular inspection
Regular check-ups, especially vascular-related tests, can detect potential health problems early.
Routine ultrasound can help detect blockages or narrowings of blood vessels, which is key to preventing blood clots.
7. Stay away from tobacco and alcohol
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots, so quitting smoking and limiting alcohol is an important step to improve blood health.
Everyone should pay attention to their own health problems and start from the little things in their daily life to prevent blood clots.
Through a reasonable diet, moderate exercise, and regular medical check-ups, we can effectively reduce the risk of blood clots, and maintain good health and enjoy a good old age.