When we talk about health, we often focus on the heart, liver, kidneys and other "star" organs, but we often ignore a crucial "invisible killer" - blood clots.
What's going on with blood clots?
Thrombosis is when the blood in the blood vessels clots together for some reason during the flow process. These blood clots may attach to the walls of blood vessels or float in the bloodstream. Once a blood clot blocks a blood vessel, it can lead to poor blood flow or even a complete interruption, which can lead to a range of serious health problems.
The type of blood clot
Arterial thrombosis:
- Features: Usually occurs within the arteries, resulting in obstruction of blood flow.
- Common diseases: myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke.
- Symptoms: Chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden headache, blurred or loss of vision, weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
Static thrombus:
- Features: Usually occurs intravenously, particularly in the deep veins of the lower extremities.
- Common diseases: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Symptoms: Swelling and pain in the legs, redness or warmth of the skin, sudden chest pain, shortness of breath.
What are the bad habits that can easily cause blood clots?
1. Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting still for long periods of time, especially during long trips or office work, can easily lead to poor blood circulation, which can increase the risk of blood clots.
2. Smoking: Smoking can damage the walls of blood vessels, increase blood viscosity, and increase the likelihood of thrombosis.
3. Unhealthy diet: A diet high in fat, sugar, and salt can increase blood cholesterol levels, leading to hardening of the arteries, which can increase the risk of blood clots.
4. Lack of exercise: Lack of regular physical activity can lead to poor blood circulation and increase the risk of thrombosis.
5. Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the amount of lipids in the blood, leading to poor blood flow, which increases the risk of blood clots.
6. Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can lead to hemoconcentration, increasing blood viscosity, which increases the likelihood of thrombosis.
7. Excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the lining of blood vessels, increase blood viscosity, and increase the risk of blood clots.
8. Stress and anxiety: Long-term stress and anxiety can lead to an increase in blood pressure, increasing damage to the lining of blood vessels, which in turn increases the risk of blood clots.
9. Irregular sleep: Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can affect the body's metabolic function and increase the risk of blood clots.
10. Birth control pills and hormone therapy: Certain birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy may increase blood clotting, which can increase the risk of blood clots.
To reduce the risk of blood clots, it is recommended to develop healthy lifestyle habits, including maintaining regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, maintaining a proper weight, drinking plenty of fluids, and managing stress and anxiety. If you have any health issues or concerns, please consult a medical professional.
What are the dangers of blood clots to the body?
1. Venous thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis, DVT):
It can cause swelling, pain, and skin discoloration in the limbs.
If a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can trigger pulmonary embolism (PE), an emergency that presents with difficulty breathing, chest pain, and in severe cases, can be fatal.
2. Arterial thrombosis:
If a blood clot forms in the coronary arteries of the heart, it can lead to myocardial infarction (heart attack).
If a blood clot forms inside the brain or in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, it can cause a stroke, which can manifest as slurred speech, limb weakness or paralysis.
Arterial thrombosis can also affect the blood supply to the limbs, leading to peripheral arterial disease, which can manifest as leg pain when walking and may even require amputation in severe cases.
3. Heart valve disease: The formation of blood clots on the heart valve may lead to abnormal valve function and affect the normal operation of the heart.
4. Organ damage: A blood clot blocking the artery supplying any major organ can lead to the failure of that organ.
5. Pregnancy complications: Thrombosis in the mother's body can cause serious health problems for both the mother and the fetus, such as placental thrombosis that may lead to stunted fetal growth or premature birth.
6. Long-term consequences: Even if a blood clot is treated, it can still leave lasting damage, such as laboratory pulmonary hypertension or chronic leg swelling and pain (also known as chronic venous insufficiency).
Because blood clots can cause serious or even fatal complications, it is crucial to recognize the early signs of blood clots and seek medical help promptly.
Treatment of blood clots
1. Medication:
Anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin and heparin, to help prevent blood clotting.
Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, reduce platelet aggregation.
2. Surgical treatment:
Thrombectomy: Directly remove the blood clot.
Vascular stents: keep blood vessels open.
3. Other treatments:
Compression stockings: Helps prevent venous thrombosis.
Lifestyle modification: Combined with medication, lifestyle modification.
Prevent blood clots
1. Stay Active:
Exercise regularly: Even a simple walk can help boost blood circulation.
Avoid sitting for long periods of time: When sitting for long periods of time, get up and move regularly.
2. Eat a healthy diet:
Eat a balanced diet: Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and cut back on high-fat and high-sugar foods.
Maintain an appropriate weight: Avoid obesity.
3. Quit smoking: Reduce the risk of blood vessel damage and blood clots.
4. Regular check-ups: Especially if you have a family history or other risk factors, you should have regular health check-ups.
Thrombosis is a serious vascular disease, but as long as we maintain a healthy lifestyle, actively treat related diseases, have regular check-ups and recognize the symptoms of blood clots, we can effectively prevent blood clots.