Blood thickening: causes, symptoms and treatments

In its essence, blood is a liquid that ensures the functioning and life of the body.

Blood consists of several elements:

• Plasma,
• Red blood cells protect the immune system and maintain normal functioning,
• platelets,
• Leukocytes.

Almost the entire volume is accounted for by red blood cells, and only 1% by the remaining listed cells. It is red blood cells that give blood its rich red color due to the hemoglobin they contain.

Red blood cells play a vital role in the functioning of the body: due to the work of the cardiovascular system, it is red blood cells that circulate in the blood, delivering oxygen to the muscles and organs, nourishing them.

It is also important that on their way they remove carbon dioxide and processes remaining after metabolism, removing them from the body.

When there is a shift from normal values ​​up or down, thickening or thinning of the blood occurs.

As a result, liquid blood clots very slowly, causing bleeding. Thick blood moves too slowly through the body, not supplying oxygen to organs and muscles on time, causing thrombosis.

Why does the blood become thick?

Important! Before deciding what to do about thick blood, you should find out the underlying cause. Since this is not a separate disease, but only shows that there is a serious disease in the human body.

The ratio of blood elements to plasma is called the hematocrit number. Due to the physiological characteristics of organisms, it differs in men and women.

All sorts of pathologies can contribute to blood thickening.

The main reasons are:

• Poor nutrition. An unhealthy diet and unhealthy lifestyle contribute to the development of many diseases. A high concentration of fats and sugars in food increases blood density.
• Vitamin crisis Shows that there are no vitamins E, B6 and C in the body now, and this leads to the fact that the blood has to be forcibly thinned. Lack of these vitamins is often observed in pregnant women and poor diet. As a result of increased estrogen, the chance of blood clots increases.
• Drinking a small amount of water Remember that doctors recommend drinking 1.5-2 liters of clean water per day, that is, in addition to tea, coffee, sweet drinks, soups, etc. Drying the body also leads to loss of water in the blood. Dehydration occurs as a result of: low fluid intake, fever, diabetes, living in hot regions, kidney disease, etc.
• Nervous breakdowns Stressful situations and constant tension kill vitamins and microelements in the body, constricting blood vessels, which increases blood pressure, as well as cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood.
• Certain medications Long-term use of certain medications worsens the condition of the blood, removing fluid and blood cells. This effect can be caused by:
• Medicines for the treatment of adrenal glands (Hydrocortisone),
• Diuretics,
• Medicines to restore erection,
• Contraceptives taken orally.

Attention! Such drugs should be used only after consulting a doctor and as prescribed.

• Disturbed metabolism In case of gastric and intestinal disorders, not all products are oxidized in sufficient quantities, and in this form they enter the blood. This contributes to the growth of density.
• Increased cholesterol Hypercholesterolemia is an increase in the amount of cholesterol in the body, this process increases the hematocrit,
• Disturbance of the respiratory system Failure of the respiratory organs, disrupts the normal supply of oxygen to the human body, which negatively affects the functioning of blood cells,
• Damage to the body Infections and parasites, infecting the body with various infections, penetrate into the blood and die there, increasing the concentration of plasma,
• Alcohol and cigarettesAlcoholic drinks take water from the body, and when smoking you need to consume much more vitamins than normal, since smoking thickens the body quite strongly.
  

  The effect of red wine on the blood is ambiguous. This alcoholic drink, when consumed in moderation, dilutes it, bringing benefits. The main thing is not to abuse it.

• Pathologies Varicose veins, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, high hemoglobin levels, spleen diseases and other diseases increase the load on the cardiac system, since the walls of blood vessels do not contract, and blood cells stick together into blood clots.
• The following can also be considered as affecting density:
• Pancreatitis,
• Hepatitis,
• Varicose veins,
• Burns,
• Leukemia,
• Environmental influence.

What is worth examining

As part of the initial study, it is important to assess the condition of the spleen, the blood itself, and internal organs. This is the task of hematologists, endocrinologists, and hepatology specialists (as needed).

A sample list of studies looks like this:

• Patient interview. Basis of initial consultation. It is important to tell all complaints and not hide anything. The specialist will find out the necessary information himself. Making a detailed list of symptoms.
• Anamnesis collection. Possible factors of origin of the disorder. They examine past illnesses, current disorders, bad habits, heredity and other issues. Anything that can play a role in assessing the condition.
• Ultrasound of the liver, spleen and abdominal organs. To identify indirect signs of a pathological process.
• General blood test. Basic technique. Although routine. It is especially important to study the number of red blood cells and platelets. Also hematocrit. However, you won’t be able to decipher the results on your own. An increase does not indicate pathologies. At least not always. Therefore, it is necessary to examine laboratory tests in the system.
• Blood test with an expanded picture of lipid fractions. It is prescribed to exclude possible disorders such as hypercholesterolemia. Or others like that.
• Function of external respiration. A classic technique for studying the quality of gas exchange. Indicators necessarily change during an active process. Whether it is full-fledged respiratory failure or other abnormalities. Asthma, destructive bronchitis. Regardless of origin.
• Be sure to check other indicators in a biochemical blood test. Liver tests. ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein.

At their discretion, doctors prescribe other methods. The ones described above are the main ones. They provide the most information.

A feature of this disorder of the body is the ability to go unnoticed for a long period. Many men complain of increased fatigue, weakness, and headaches.

Often such patients have impaired nutrition of the limbs. This is shown by constantly remaining cold hands and feet. There is often an unpleasant feeling of heaviness in the legs.

There are many reasons for the appearance of unpleasant symptoms. But in any case, it is recommended to do research.

Often negative indicators are detected during a routine medical examination. Given the increasing risk of increasing viscosity levels with age, it is advisable for men over 40 to be tested at least once a year.

How can you tell if you have thick blood?

You can find out the thickness of your blood only by donating blood for a clinical analysis. It is he who helps to identify the main diagnosis.

Thick blood slows down blood flow and forms small clots.

Initially calling:

• Headache,
• Numbness of the limbs,
• General fatigue.

The most informative analyzes in this case are:

• Clinical analysis - it is used to determine the amount of formed elements contained in the blood (platelets, erythrocytes, leukocytes),
• Hematocrit study - these tests show the ratio of plasma to formed elements,
• Biochemical tests to determine the amount of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood,
• Coagulogram – test of blood cell clotting.
• Glucose tolerance test,
• Analysis of urine.

Hematocrit study

Fact! It happens that thickening occurs from a small amount of water in the body, then you just need to restore the water balance by drinking 1.5-2 liters of water per day.

Blood clots pose a particular danger to small vessels . By blocking access to blood in the vessel, it leads to tissue death and the development of strokes and heart attacks.

In the majority of cases of viscous blood, the symptoms are ambiguous and can accompany many diseases.

The main symptoms are:

• Constant feeling of thirst, dry mucous membranes, dry skin,
• Dizziness, headaches,
• Numbness of the limbs and a drop in their temperature,
• Pallor,
• Emotional depression, depression,
• The appearance of “balls” under the skin on the legs, which indicates vein thrombosis.

Be carefull! Without showing symptoms, thick blood can lead to serious consequences. Get a general blood test regularly, and if you have any symptoms, contact your doctor. They will decipher what your indicators mean according to the analysis.

In most cases, with normal nutrition, the human body maintains all indicators as normal, and due to improper nutrition, the indicators deviate from the norm.

Symptoms of blood thickening

Hyperviscosity syndrome has a vague clinical picture; it can only be reliably identified through tests. But there are some symptoms that may indicate the presence of pathology.

Main features:

• frequent attacks of headache;
• noise in ears;
• blurred vision, tearfulness, memory problems;
• chronic fatigue syndrome, weakness, drowsiness, general malaise;
• crawling sensation, numbness, tingling of the arms and legs, limbs are almost always cold;
• the skin becomes transparent and dry;
• strong feeling of thirst;
• depressive states.

If the blood becomes sticky and viscous, a person is worried about high blood pressure, shortness of breath, frequent nosebleeds, and nodes begin to bulge on the veins.

Vision may deteriorate due to blood thickening

Thick blood. What does this mean? What could be the diagnosis?

In a large number of cases, blood thickening occurs in older people. This happens because the older the body, the less it copes with the functions assigned to it, and subsequently the breakdown products are excreted in insufficient quantities.

Thick blood is dangerous; it puts a strain on the cardiovascular system, which leads to a number of pathologies . Blood that requires thinning thickens and has increased clotting rates.

The first symptoms are:

• Constant sleepiness
• Memory reduction
• Apathy.

Important! If symptoms are detected, it is better to immediately go to the hospital for examination. The doctor will identify the causes and treatment necessary for you. Remember that early detection of the disease reduces the cost and duration of its treatment.

Failure to pay attention to symptoms can lead to:

Blood clot formation

• Thrombosis of the arteries in the lungs (thromboembolism),
• Heart attacks,
• strokes,
• Hypertensive crisis,
• Thrombophlebitis.

Poor circulation is also thought to be a cause of cancer.

Thick blood has difficulty moving through small vessels, resulting in stagnation of this fluid in the vessels.

Leads to:

• Products do not oxidize and stagnate in the body,
• Radicals are released
• Less oxygen reaches the cells.

These processes cause hypoxia.

The permeability of the walls of blood vessels increases due to the slow passage of blood, which leads to the following consequences:

• The appearance of atherosclerotic plaques,
• Thrombosis is the gluing of blood clots together.

In turn, these processes lead to the following outcomes:

Blood clot formation as a result of poor blood flow can cause heart attack and stroke.

• The appearance of atherosclerotic plaques,
• Heart attack
• Stroke,
• Death.

As a result of blood stagnation, thickening of the myocardial walls is also noticed, as a result of which they become thinner, which leads to heart failure.

By establishing proper nutrition, when the blood is viscous, you can avoid many problems with this, since even food can thin the blood in the veins.

Causes of thickening of biological fluid

Various reasons can lead to the formation of thick blood:

• an increase in the number of cellular elements - hemoglobin protein, red blood cells, platelets;
• lack of water consumption;
• increased loss of water by the body - at high ambient temperatures, with vomiting, diarrhea, increased physical activity, taking diuretics;
• diseases of organs involved in the process of hematopoiesis - bone marrow, liver, spleen;
• lack of vitamins (B, C), microelements (sodium), carbohydrates;
• aging of the body - loss of fluid, atherosclerosis;
• infectious and inflammatory diseases;
• intoxication – in the presence of parasites in the body, poisoning with salts of heavy metals;
• acidosis - a violation of the acid-base balance in the acidic direction due to diseases of the digestive system, excessive consumption of meat, canned food, smoked meats;
• obesity;
• physical inactivity.

All of the above applies to both sexes, and men have their own additional reasons: at a young age - high hormonal levels, after 45 years, increased production of red blood cells, as well as addiction to smoking, frequent alcohol consumption.

What foods should you avoid if you have viscous blood?

If you maintain proper nutrition, you can do without medications. To begin with, you should put your diet in order by reducing the consumption of foods that thicken the blood.

Increased coagulability is caused by:

• Food made from animals, such foods store a lot of cholesterol and fatty acids. It is not worth removing completely from the diet, but reducing consumption is possible. This does not include dairy products,
• Fried and smoked dishes,
• Foods high in protein,
• Fast carbohydrates (sugar, candy, bars, cakes, pastries, potatoes),
• Alcoholic drinks and soda.
• Bananas,
• Strong tea and coffee,

Certain types of herbs also affect increased clotting:

• Fresh nettle(!),
• Yarrow,
• Burdock,
• Needles,
• Burnet,
• and others.

Attention! You should not sharply limit the consumption of the above products, since some of them also contain useful components. You should only gradually reduce their presence in the diet.

What vitamins should you exclude from your diet?

Some vitamins have a targeted effect on increasing thickness:

• Vitamin B12. Its increased concentration is in veal, liver, lamb, dairy products, sea fish, shrimp,
• Vitamin R. It is stored in mint, rowan, natural coffee,
• Vitamin K. Contained in walnuts, green peas, prunes, dried apricots and spinach.

Blood thinning foods

The advantage is that if you take the right nutrition for viscous blood, you can completely do without drugs; a wide range of food products and folk remedies are ready to replace drugs.

For effective liquefaction it is recommended:

• Green tea – makes blood vessels stronger, useful for varicose veins,
• Blueberries – prevent the formation of blood clots, and are also a natural antimicrobial agent,
• 4 fresh tomatoes per day and the balance of water in the blood will be stabilized, the risk of thrombophlebitis and heart attack will be reduced,
• Pepper – dissolves blood clots, improves metabolic processes,
• Garlic is a natural thinner, equivalent in action to aspirin,
• Ginger – reduces sugar and thins,
• Celery juice, raspberry juice,
• Sea fish,
• Yogurts and kefirs,
• Lean meat (turkey and chicken),
• Nuts,
• Sunflower seeds
• Olive oil,
• and others.

Attention! Consuming everything in normal quantities, so as not to overdo it, otherwise the blood will be too thin, and you will develop other diseases.

Treatment

The easiest first step for any potential patient is to normalize their diet and lifestyle. This includes immediately increasing the amount of fluid in your diet. It is advisable that it be simple clean water. Even a healthy person needs to drink from two to three liters per day to provide all systems with it. Moreover, in this situation we are talking specifically about water, and not about tea, coffee or other liquids. A simple change in drinking habits in most situations helps to reduce and bring viscosity levels to normal.

Among the reasons for thickening, experts also indicate a deficiency of substances:

• proteins;
• amino acids;
• fatty acids.

To replenish them, it is recommended to include in your daily diet:

• seaweed;
• chicken eggs;
• lean meats;
• fish;
• milk;
• flaxseed and olive oil.

These products should be on the menu constantly. At the same time, it is worth reducing the amount of sugar, spicy seasonings, fatty meats, and lard.

If you stick to such a diet constantly, you may never know what blood viscosity is for the rest of your life. Active sports play a big role. You don't have to join a gym.

For a modern person, most of whose life is spent in a static state, sometimes just a regular walk for 1-2 hours at least 2-3 times a week is enough. This approach to your health will strengthen all body systems.

In case of serious problems, a specialist will recommend how to treat thick viscous blood. To improve the condition, specialized medications can be used. Including ascorbic acid, heparin, magnecard, thrombo ACC, lospirin. A wide selection of specialized medicines are available for sale. But you should not resort to self-medication, given the danger of consequences. The course of therapy is prescribed by the attending physician after diagnostic studies.

Folk remedies for dilution

To prevent thick blood, traditional methods suggest using decoctions of certain herbs to increase fluid in the body and reduce viscosity at home.

Such as:

• Willow bark – prevents clots from forming, thinning the blood,
• Red clover . Concentrates salicylic and coumaric acids. Regular use of this decoction reduces blood density,
• Meadowsweet . Contains the same acids as clover, plus ascorbic acid. Has a positive effect on the body, strengthening blood vessels, fighting rheumatitis, and killing bacteria,
• Yellow clover . Contains a high concentration of coumarins, which slow down clotting.
• Hawthorn is a fairly common plant. Its leaves strengthen blood vessels, have a positive effect on the heart, and also thin the blood. For medical purposes it is used in the form of an alcohol tincture or extract,
• Rakita . Bush plant, with a high concentration of flavonoids and salicylates. Prevents inflammation and tones, inhibits clotting processes and strengthens blood vessels. For treatment purposes, the bark is used,
• Ginkgo biloba . A powerful antioxidant, dilates blood vessels, preventing blood clots from forming. Positively affects blood flow in the brain, improving memory and attention.
• Dandelion juice,
• Dried nettle,
• Aloe,
• Kalanchoe,
• peony root,

Almost all of these products can be bought in pharmacies in your city.

Important! You cannot eat thinning foods in combination with herbs at the same time, as this can lead to bleeding. It is better to clarify all personal nuances with your doctor.

Unconventional methods of blood thinning

Non-standard methods are resorted to quite often in order to develop science and the effectiveness of such means:

• Hirudotherapy. Leech therapy has a good effect on the hematopoietic system, cleanses the blood, removes toxins and improves its performance,

Leeches are used in various branches of medicine

• Apitherapy. Bee therapy is another type of alternative medicine. Scientists talk about the content of bee venom - heparin, which slows down blood clotting.

Heparin is present not only in the venom, but also in all products produced by bees (honey, honeycombs, etc.),

A healthy lifestyle, combined with giving up bad habits, improves blood counts. Increasing the consumption of berries and sour fruits thins the blood.

Medications that reduce thickness

Therapy in this case is a set of means aimed not only at liquefying, but also at eliminating the original problem. You may not use medications, but this is only if it is not associated with serious illnesses.

Attention! There is no universal method of liquefaction, since different diseases lead to the development of different processes. Only a qualified doctor can help prescribe therapy.

To normalize processes, the following complexes are prescribed:

• Procedures aimed at restoring metabolism
• Medicines that destroy blood clots and prevent their further formation,
• Complexes for the treatment of tumor formations.

Most often, doctors prescribe:

• Aspirin, Magnecard, Cardiomagnyl, Dipyridamole are drugs that contain aspirin, which thins the blood. But drugs are not always prescribed; for the following diseases, their use is prohibited:
• Hypertension,
• Bronchial asthma,
• Pregnancy,
• Stomach and intestinal ulcers,
• If you are allergic to the components of these drugs.
• If such diseases are detected, then other drugs are prescribed:

• neodicoumarin,
• Warfarin,
• Heparin.

Since thick blood is not a separate disease, treatment of the main problem is prescribed in combination with thinning drugs.

Note! The use of drugs from these two groups at the same time is prohibited! To prescribe treatment, be sure to consult a doctor. Don't self-medicate!

Who's at risk

Any of the above factors can cause blood thickening. But also people suffering from the following diseases are at increased risk:

• hepatitis;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• pancreatitis;
• food poisoning;
• varicose veins;
• hypoxia;
• myocardial infarction;
• thrombophilia;
• atrial fibrillation;
• heart failure;
• stroke;
• diabetes;
• antiphospholipid antibody syndrome;
• amyloid dystrophy;
• leukemia;
• myeloma;
• bone marrow cancer;
• polycythemia;
• adrenal dysfunction.

The development of hypercoagulability syndrome is facilitated by long-term use of diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs containing estrogen or phytoestrogen.

Why does blood thicken in pregnant women?

During the gestation period, the mother's body undergoes changes, some of which are very necessary for the normal development of the fetus.

Blood thickening in pregnant women occurs for the following reasons:

• The individuality of each organism,
• A small amount of fluid consumed,
• A small amount of vitamins and minerals, since the mother’s body gives most of them to the development of the fetus,
• Taking medications prescribed for low hemoglobin
• Lack of red blood cells, platelets and leukocytes,
• Consumption of foods with a high concentration of proteins and carbohydrates.

Not all changes affect the pregnant woman’s body well. One of these reasons is thick blood.

Along with them, a number of pathological processes also affect:

• Severe pain
• A large amount of lost blood,
• Increased clotting (often leading to miscarriage),
• Diseases of the kidneys, liver and intestinal system.

Thick blood in pregnant women is a protective reaction of the body, because a lot of blood is lost during childbirth.

For pregnant women, thick blood is a normal indicator; you should worry only if the plasma concentration increases above the permissible norm.

What can be the consequences during pregnancy?

The consequences of the development of thick blood have a more negative impact on the fetus itself than on the mother’s body.

In case of condensation, the following phenomena occur:

• Varicose veins of the lower extremities,
• Thrombosis,
• Heart attack, stroke,
• Miscarriage,
• Hypoxia for the fetus.

Side effects due to blood thickening.

Important! If you do nothing when there is thick blood, you can lose your child!

How to thin the blood during pregnancy?

At the moment of gestation, liquefaction is more important than ever. During pregnancy, the blood becomes viscous in all women.

Such indicators are considered normal, and after childbirth they return to normal. However, this process should be monitored, as varicose veins, lack of oxygen in the fetus, miscarriage, or blood clots may develop.

You can find out about the medications you are allowed to take while carrying a child from your consulting doctor.

Taking medications during pregnancy is not recommended.

So you need to include the following foods in your diet:

• Citrus fruit,
• Berries: black currants, cranberries, strawberries, sea buckthorn, raspberries, plums,
• Vegetables: garlic, onions, tomatoes, zucchini,
• Cocoa,
• Chocolate,
• Mint.

Carefully! Eating berries or citrus fruits can trigger allergies. For use during such an important period, you should consult a doctor.

Indicators of blood density in newborns

In newborns, blood counts contain a high concentration of hemoglobin and red blood cells; the child’s body does this in order to better protect the fragile immune system.

The indicators return to normal over time, and approach the norms of adults.

Blood viscosity is normal

Thick blood (hyperviscosity syndrome) occurs when hematocrit values ​​increase and the relationship between the levels of enzymes and plasma is disrupted.

Blood viscosity is measured with a viscometer - the device compares the speed of movement of blood and distilled water. Ideally, blood should move 4–5 times slower than water; the normal plasma viscosity is 1.4–2.2 units. The relative viscosity of whole blood in men is 4.3–5.7 units, in women – 3.9–4.9. Blood density – 1.050–1.064 g/ml.

The first clinical signs of the disease begin to appear if the readings exceed 4 units.

In newborns, the level of hemoglobin and leukocytes is higher than in adults, so the viscosity is 10–11; by the end of the first month of life, the child’s levels drop to 6, then gradually decrease.

Normal blood viscosity in women and men

In adolescents, against the background of hormonal changes in the body, plasma viscosity increases slightly; it is enough to adjust the daily routine and create the right menu for the parameters to normalize.

During pregnancy, a slight increase in blood density is normal; with hyperviscosity syndrome, the risk of miscarriage and severe bleeding during childbirth is reduced. But if the values ​​greatly exceed the norm, there is a high probability of developing fetal hypoxia.

How to prevent blood from thickening?

First of all, proper nutrition is required, with a low content of foods that contribute to this process. Move more and increase time outdoors. Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. Add more positivity and take away the amount of stress.

Thanks to a wide selection of both medications and traditional medicine and simply food products available to everyone, reducing blood density is not difficult.

Everyone is able to choose an option that suits them personally. To choose a diluting agent, it is best to consult a doctor in order to avoid incorrect amounts of taking certain medications. Do not self-medicate under any circumstances!

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How to prepare for testing?

The blood tests listed above require some preparation in order for the results to be as reliable as possible. The following preparations must be made:

• for 2 days, adhere to a gentle diet - exclude spicy, fatty, fried foods, confectionery products;
• Avoid alcohol for 2 days;
• during the day, avoid physical overexertion and stress;
• do not eat for 8-12 hours before your scheduled procedure;
• 1 hour before the test, refrain from smoking.

In the case of drug treatment, you should first consult with your doctor about the possibility of stopping the medication 5-7 days before the test, if this does not harm your health.

Blood is taken in the morning, when the body is not yet exposed to a large degree of various influences, and the test results are most reliable.