Blood-thinning medicines are highly recommended for people with polycythemia or gore disease. This condition is considered dangerous because it can cause the sufferer to experience serious complications and loss of life.
Blood thickening itself is a process that occurs normally when the body is injured. Although in some people, the process does not always begin with the appearance of wounds.
Thickening or clotting is an important process. However, if excessive it can adversely affect health.
Definition of Gore
Gore is also known as polycythemia or hypercoagulation or thrombophilia is a condition that occurs due to increased production of blood cells, both red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets crossing the normal limit.
This condition causes the blood in the body of the sufferer to clot more easily or have clotting. There are several triggers, including hypertension, hypoxia (lack of oxygen levels in cells), obesity, stress or gene mutations in stem cells in the bone marrow (polycythemia Vera).
Blood thickening can increase the risk of blockage of blood vessels, i.e. Veins or arteries. As we know, the presence of blockages in blood vessels can trigger complications, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Normally, blood clotting, which is the process of blood clotting that undergoes a change in shape from liquid to gel or rather dense, can prevent the body from losing too much blood when an incision or wound occurs.
But, as already stated at the beginning, in some cases, the condition does not only occur when the body is cut or injured. Blood also clots in the blood vessels due to certain conditions. As a result, the blood cannot flow properly.
Thrombosis or blood clots that form in blood vessels is the problem most often caused by gore. It can develop and move to other parts of the body or called embolisms.
Well, this embolism is very life-threatening. The most common embolism is a pulmonary embolism, which is when a blood clot moves to the lungs.
Polycythemia itself is a common health disorder. The American Society of Hematology says there are about 900,000 people suffering from gore disease, of which there are 100,000 cases each year that end in death.
Generally, the condition is experienced by people who are elderly and have certain health problems.
Causes of Gore
Each person has a different blood thickness. It is influenced by various factors, where the largest is the form of red blood cells. Another factor, namely inherited or genetic until acquired or obtained when the sufferer is an older. Here’s an explanation:
Genetic Factors
Lab Tests Online shares articles on types of gore conditions caused by inherited genetic factors and their triggers, among others:
- V Leiden Factor. It is a gore condition caused by a defective gene. This type is most common and tends to be found in white Americans as well as Europeans.
- Prothrombin 20210. Prothrombin gene mutation, which is a type of gore caused by a defective gene that is inherited. Prothrombin itself is a protein that helps blood thicken. Well, people who have a defective gene generally produce too much prothrombin. As a result, the risk of blood clotting, such as DVT, is greater.
- Deficiency of C protein, S protein and antithrombin. All three are natural substances that are useful to prevent anticoagulants or blood clotting. When the body lacks these proteins, the tendency to experience gore increases.
Acquired Factor
Gore disease is not always caused by genetic factors or passed down by other family members. Certain lifestyles and medical conditions can also be the trigger.
For example, antiphospholipid syndrome, a disorder of the body’s immune system, also known as Hughes syndrome. A person’s body produces antibodies that cannot control phospholipids, which are fat molecules that play a role in maintaining the consistency of blood.
Thus, the antibodies will bind to phospholipids and increase the risk of blood clotting. Generally, this condition causes the appearance of blood clots in arteries or veins.
In addition to these conditions, other things that trigger gore disease are:
- Taking medications or undergoing certain therapies, such as contraceptives or hormone therapy,
- Experiencing atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries,
- Suffering from arrhythmias,
- Having a heart attack,
- Having heart failure,
- Suffering from peripheral artery disease,
- Experiencing polycythemia Vera,
- Obesity
- Pregnant
- Too long sitting or bed rest,
- Eating fast food and processed products, as well as
- Have a habit of smoking and drinking alcohol,
Meanwhile, there are things that cause blood viscosity to decrease, among others:
- The influence of drugs, such as blood thinners without the appropriate dose of the doctor,
- Affected by lupus, and
- Disorders of the spinal cord.
Risk Factors
Blood thickening can occur in anyone, of different racial and age groups. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk, namely:
- Old age,
- Have a parent or other family member who suffers from a blood disorder,
- With high blood pressure,
- Have high cholesterol,
- Suffering from heart disease,
- Have diabetes,
- Taking certain medications, such as tamoxifen, heparin, hormonal drugs as well as birth control pills,
- Had injuries, such as leg fractures.
- Rarely moves the body, and
- Have a smoking habit.
However, remember, having one or more of the above risk factors does not mean that you will get gore disease. In fact, in some cases, some experience the condition even though it does not have any risk factors.
Symptoms of Gore Disease
Most people with polycythaemia initially do not feel any significant symptoms. These symptoms usually appear when the blood has clotted and clogged the blood circulation. But, generally, they will experience the following:
- Dizziness or headache,
- Weak body,
- Excessive sweating,
- Itching, especially after bathing with warm water,
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying down,
- Feeling pain or bloating in the upper left abdomen due to enlargement of the spleen organs,
- Swelling accompanied by pain in one of the joints, usually the toe joint,
- Numbness and tingling in the hands, arms, legs or limbs, and
- Vision and speech ability are declining.
If according to the location of the occurrence of blood clots, the symptoms include:
In Arteries
Blood clotting that occurs in the arteries is called arterial thrombosis. This condition can cause more serious problems. Tissues or organs of the body that do not receive blood flow and oxygen are quite at risk of natural damage.
If blood clotting is located in the arteries in the heart organ, the sufferer may have a heart attack. Symptoms of arterial thrombosis themselves include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Chest pains,
- It’s hard to breathe,
- Sweating
- Experiencing indigestion,
- Pain in the jaw, arm or back area, and
- Faint.
Gore can also affect the brain, causing blood flow in the area to be disrupted. This condition has the potential to cause stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack). The signs are:
- Continuous dizziness,
- Weak or numb on one side of the body,
- Reduced vision,
- Ability to speak decreases,
- It’s hard to swallow something,
- Confusion, and
- Seizures.
In Veins
The thickening of the blood in this section is known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Generally, the condition cause symptoms, such as pain, redness and swelling. It is not uncommon for hematomas or bruises in areas that are clotting.
Arms and legs are the most common parts of DVT. Usually, only one arm or leg is affected. Signs that appear include:
- Redness or blue bruises,
- Swollen
- The swollen part feels warm and soft to the touch,
- Pain, and
- The color of the skin changes.
Symptoms of swelling and redness sometimes make it difficult for doctors to make decisions, whether it is just an infection or there is DVT.
In addition to the arms and legs, the kidneys are organs of the body that can experience blood clotting. The symptoms are:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Waist or back pain,
- Swollen feet, and
- Urine mixed with blood.
In the Lungs
As already stated, the blood clots in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms that may be felt include:
- Pain in the chest,
- Shortness of breath,
- Palpitations or faster heart rate,
- Bloody cough,
- Headaches
- Sweating, and
- Faint.
In the Digestive Tract
Blood clots in the stomach or digestive tract, usually cause symptoms, such as:
- Severe stomach pain,
- Diarrhea
- Defecation mixed with blood,
- Flatulence
- Nausea accompanied by vomiting, and.
- Stomach swells.
You may be aware of the symptoms of blood clots when injured or cut. Usually, the injured area is swollen and feels pain or itching. But, remember, everyone has different symptoms.
So, to get the right treatment, immediately consult a doctor. If there is a serious problem, chances are you will be given special drugs, such as blood-thinning medicines.
Diagnosis of Viscous Blood Disease
To find out the disease suffered, the doctor will ask the patient’s medical history. Because from there, he may be able to find out the cause of the thick blood experienced.
Only after that, the doctor will do further examinations, namely blood tests in the laboratory. The goal is to ensure:
- Number of red blood cells. Sometimes accompanied by an increase in white blood cells and platelets.
- The amount of hematocrit, which is the level of red blood cells in the blood.
- The amount of hemoglobin, a high-iron protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.
- The amount of erythropoietin aka a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells.
- Biopsy or bone marrow aspiration. If the laboratory results show suspicion of polycythemia, a bone marrow sample will be taken and analyzed for histological examination.
In conditions that are classified as emergency and patients are unable to provide information about the symptoms experienced, the doctor will perform certain tests after a physical examination, such as ultrasound tests of veins, venography and CT scan angiography.
Treatment of Viscous Blood Disease
Treatment of viscous blood disease depends on the condition that the patient suffers, ranging from the administration of drugs to surgery. Treatment is also determined by the location and severity of the polycythemia itself.
But, until now there is no treatment that can cure this condition completely. Treatment is only aimed at making blood flow normal again, in the absence of abnormal clotting.
Here are some types of treatment to deal with viscous blood disease.
Blood-thinning Medicines
When test results show a blood clot, your doctor will usually prescribe medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). In addition, he also gave blood thinning drugs.
This type of drug works by preventing blood clots in the blood vessels. Because, if not immediately overcome, the clot can inhibit blood circulation to the heart muscle and cause a heart attack.
Blood clots can also clog blood flow to the brain, which is the main trigger of stroke. The blood-thinning drug itself comes in the form of tablets or capsules or injected.
There are two types of drugs sold on the market, namely anticoagulants and antiplatelets. For more details, check out the various blood-thinning drugs based on the type below!
Anticoagulant Group
The first group is useful for preventing clotting and blood clots by delaying its clotting time. Those included in this group include:
Enoxaparin
This blood thinner is not in the form of tablets, but injections. It is useful to prevent blood clots during surgery in the abdominal area or in patients who are bedrest. It is also used along with other types of drugs, namely warfarin to overcome blood clots in the veins of the legs.
Enoxaparin will maintain smooth blood flow by reducing the clotting activity of proteins in the blood. Thus, the risk of heart attack also decreases. In addition, enoxaparin can be combined with aspirin to prevent angina or chest pain and heart attacks. The brands used are usually Lovenox.
Heparin
The second drug, heparin, is useful for preventing blood clots and the possibility of fatal heart complications. Just like enoxaparin, it is also often used to prevent postoperative blood clots.
Because this drug has a faster effect than warfarin, it is often given in emergency situations that do require faster treatment. However, long-term use can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Usually, doctors replace the drug with warfarin to get around the side effects earlier.
Dabigatran
In the form of tablets that are generally taken to prevent stroke and blood clot, for example, in the lungs or legs, if the patient has atrial fibrillation or irregular heart rate disease. This condition causes the performance of a portion of the heart is abnormal. Eventually, blood clots are formed and the risk of heart attack or stroke increases.
The drug present in the brand Of Pradaxa causes side effects, such as abdominal pain, heartburn and nausea.
Warfarin
Here’s the blood-thinning medicine that’s been mentioned earlier Jantoven and Coumadin are two trademarks. Warfarin itself is used to prevent and overcome blood clots in blood vessels and arteries and treat heart attacks or strokes. The way it works is to reduce blood clotting.
Edoxaban
Sold under the brand name Savayasa, this drug is often used to treat DVT and its complications, including pulmonary embolism. Edoxaban is given after the patient receives injectable blood-thinning drugs for 5-10 days.
Fondaparinux
The last anticoagulant drug, Fondaparinux. Sold under the trademark Arixtra, this drug serves to overcome serious blood clots in the lungs or legs. It is only available in the form of injections, which are usually used once a day, depending on the condition of the patient.
Antiplatelet Group
The second class of drugs works by preventing the accumulation of clotting tissue in the blood vessels. So, the blood remains diluted. Here are the antiplatelets:
Aspirin
Some of you are certainly familiar with this name. Yes, aspirin is a painkiller that is commonly used to treat fever, headache to inflammation. But it turns out that its usefulness doesn’t just that. It is also antiplatelet which can inhibit blood clots in stroke sufferers.
The blood-thinning drug aspilet is one of its trademarks. The main drug made from acetylsalicylic acid can only be purchased in pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription. Aspilet is often used to thin the blood and inhibit blood clots.
Therefore, it can be consumed to fight thromboembolic and cardiovascular diseases, such as chronic stable angina pectoris, unstable angina pectoris, stroke, ischemic stroke, mild stroke (transient ischemic attack) and acute myocardial infarct.
Aspilet is also recommended for diabetics who are at risk of cardiovascular disease complications and have certain conditions, namely angina, stroke, a history of myocardial infarct disease, have undergone vascular bypass procedures, a family history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia and smoking habits.
Side effects caused by Aspilet, including digestive problems, such as abdominal pain, cramping or heat, diarrhea and constipation, stools too dark or light, urine is dark and sometimes accompanied by blood, shortness of breath, headache, fever and thirst easily.
But, these side effects do not always appear, really, even rarely. Only if the patient experiences it, can immediately contact a doctor to get medical help.
Dipyridamole
The second antiplatelet is Dipyridamole, a drug given to prevent blood clots after surgery to change the heart valves. This medication is usually taken along with aspirin to lower the risk of death due to a heart attack. Dipyridamole brands sold in the market include aggrenox, persantine and premole.
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
This drug is useful for preventing heart attacks in heart patients, stroke or peripheral vascular (circulatory disease). Similar to Dipyridamole, it is also often combined with aspirin to relieve shortness of breath due to heart attacks, unstable angina and fight blood blockage after heart procedures, such as a ring or stent installation.
Because Clopidogrel works by inhibiting blood clotting, don’t get hurt while taking it. Because, it can slow down the wound recovery process.
Prasugrel (Effient)
The right time to take the blood-thinning medicines Prasugrel is once a day to prevent serious problems that occur in the heart organs and blood vessels. It is recommended not to stop the dose of this medicine without a doctor’s advice. Because, it will actually increase the risk of blood clots and heart attacks.
Prasugrel itself has side effects in the form of headaches, fatigue, coughing and pain in the area of the arm, leg or back.
Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
Ticlopidine is an alternative medicine to prevent stroke in people who cannot take aspirin. Especially for those who have a stent implant or heart ring. Usually, the doctor will prescribe Ticlopidine and aspirin for 30 days or according to the patient’s conditions.
Eptifibatide (Integrilin)
This medicine is able to prevent heart attacks in people with unstable angina. It is also effective for inhibiting blood clots before surgery. So, the procedure of inserting a surgical device or opening an artery becomes smoother.
Ticagrelor
The use of Ticagrelor is to prevent dangerous blood vessel and heart complications in people who experience severe chest pain or heart attack. To get these effects, Ticagrelor is usually taken along with aspirin.
The drug, which comes under the brand name, Brilinta, is also prescribed to those whose blood vessels are pinned to smooth blood flow.
There are side effects caused by the use of the above drugs, including:
- Easy to bruise,
- Urine is pink or red.
- Menstrual blood volume is more than usual,
- Feces mixed with blood or appear black like coffee grounds and
- Blackened areas appear on the hands, fingers, feet or toes.
Everyone experiences different side effects, some are mild to serious. Be sure to always control to the doctor while taking these drugs, especially patients that have a history of hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, balance problems and liver or kidney disorders.
Surgery
When the administration of drugs is not effective, then the alternative is surgery. The procedure recommended by a doctor is intra-arterial thrombosis. This therapy is suitable for acute ischemic stroke patients, especially the elderly. The goal is to prevent blood clots and the emergence of complications related to the condition.
In addition, the doctor may suggest a filter or filter placement procedure in a vein. So, the blood that clots do not move to other organs of the body, such as the lungs or heart.
Unfortunately, until now there has been no therapy that can restore the condition of sufferers one hundred percent. The above methods of polycythemia handling only aim to reduce symptoms and extend the life expectancy of sufferers.
Natural Blood Thinners
In addition to the above methods, sufferers can try natural blood thinners from ingredients that are easy to find. Of course, the herb does not cause serious side effects.
Garlic
One of the kitchen spices that are able to give a distinctive taste to this cuisine has long been famous for its efficacy in treating various diseases. Because it has natural antibiotic and antimicrobial properties.
Known in one clove of garlic, there is allicin, which is an active compound that acts as an anticoagulant. This is evidenced by a study of odorless garlic powder, where the results showed antithrombotic activity.
Antithrombotic itself is a compound that can reduce blood clots. However, the effect of garlic to thin the blood is only brief. If you want to try it, consult a doctor first.
Turmeric
Just like garlic, this one rhizome is also believed to be a natural antibiotic. It contains curcumin that benefits are innumerable, one of which is as an anticoagulant.
The efficacy of turmeric as a blood thinner has been proven in a study on anticoagulant activity in the spice. Curcumin compounds contained are able to prevent blood clots by inhibiting the causative factors.
Ginger
No different from the previous two ingredients, ginger has been known as a folk remedy for centuries ago. This spice contains acetylsalicylic acid, which is famously potent for thinning the blood.
The effect can be obtained in various ways, either consumed raw, extracted juice or used as a food seasoning. But, the effectiveness of ginger to prevent blood clots still requires further research.
Almonds
Almonds are well known as a good food to prevent premature aging. However, who would have thought if it can also be used as a natural blood thinner. This is due to the presence of vitamin E which is classified as a mild anticoagulant. The effect is felt depending on the dose of use.
However, there are no studies that explain the amount of vitamin E that is safe for consumption by people with viscous blood disease. Therefore, before eating almonds as a blood thinner, make sure to consult a doctor first.
In addition to almonds, other foods that contain high vitamin E are grains, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil and wheat grain oil.
Fruit Juice
Eating fruits is very good for health. Because, they contain abundant nutrients that the body needs to carry out daily activities and improve the quality of life. Some diseases can even be cured by eating certain fruits. One of them is polycythemia.
The trick, it can be consumed directly or used as fruit juice for blood thinners. Here are the types of fruits used to prevent thick blood.
Pineapple
Fruit that has a sour taste is often used to lower cholesterol levels. It cannot be separated from the role of vitamin C and bromelain, which are proteolytic enzymes found in the stems and pineapples.
Not only effective in reducing high cholesterol levels, bromelain can also help prevent blood clots and plaque formation in the arteries. According to a study conducted in 2012, the bromelain contained in pineapple fruit is able to inhibit the formation of fibrin or proteins that trigger blood clots.
Purple grape or Red grape
In addition to delicious, it turns out that grapes have many benefits. One of them is to overcome thick blood disease. Flavonoids contained in purple grapes are considered powerful to prevent blood clotting.
If consumed properly, which is 5-7 pieces per day, the fruit can stabilize the viscosity of blood in the body.
Kiwi
This popular fruit in New Zealand is often consumed by those undergoing a weight loss program. It is also believed to improve the health of the heart organ.
It is said that people who eat 2-3 kiwis per day have normal blood pressure because the risk of blood clots is reduced. The juice is also good for blood circulation.
Mango
Who doesn’t like mangoes? This fruit that tastes sweet-sour fresh is always hunted by fans when the season arrives. Who would have thought if the fruit can be a natural blood thinning drug.
Like almonds, mangoes also contain vitamin E which acts as an anticoagulant to prevent blood clots. Vitamin E in mangoes can also inhibit platelets that number exceeds the limit. Remember, excessive platelets can harm health.
Tomato
It is not difficult to find this fruit at home, especially in the kitchen of people who like to cook. Usually, tomatoes are used as sauce ingredients. It creates a slightly sour taste in every cuisine.
Behind its role, tomatoes turned out to contain bromelain compounds, such as those found in pineapples. Eating 3-5 tomatoes per day helps the body obtain nutritional intake. Thus, blood clotting can be prevented.
The natural ingredients of blood thinners above have not really been clinically tested. Not only that, the effect can not be compared with the drugs that have been mentioned. Consuming too much is also highly discouraged. Instead of curing, sufferers are at risk of a more severe condition.
Therefore, consult a doctor before using it to prevent blood clots.
How to Prevent Blood Clots Disease
In addition to treatment with drugs and surgery, people with polycythemia can do self-care at home to prevent blood clots. Of course, by implementing a healthy lifestyle, such as:
Moving Actively
Exercise is one way to keep the body in excellent condition and avoid various diseases, including polycythemia. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day.
Avoid sitting too long. If circumstances force you to sit for a long time, for example, while in the office or traveling by public transportation, stretch every 2-3 hours.
Because, if not, there will be blood clots, especially in the legs. It then spreads to other organs and causes the blood vessels in those organs to become blocked.
Changing your diet
Change your diet, from being initially fast food, to one rich in nutrients. Apply a healthy diet by eating foods low in sugar, saturated fat and sodium. Eat more fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin E and omega-3.
Meet the Needs of Water
Lack of water can cause blood thicken and narrowing of blood vessels. This will increase the risk of blood clots. Therefore, make sure your body’s fluid needs are met by consuming 8 glasses of water per day. If the body is hydrated, blood circulation will be smoother.
Avoid smoking
Smoking is harmful to health. These small objects can damage the health of the body’s organs, such as the lungs and heart. It is also the cause of blood coagulation. Therefore, for those of you who are active smokers, you should stop or reduce it slowly.
Using Compression Stockings
Have you ever heard of this thing? It is used to smooth blood flow in the legs. Usually, it is used by patients who are hospitalized for a long time, pregnant women or people traveling by airplane. Those with a history of diabetes, DVT and varicose veins are also advised to wear them.
When not handled properly, blood clots can clog blood flow and interfere with the performance of the body’s organs. Such conditions will cause more dangerous health problems.
So, if you have risk factors and experience the symptoms mentioned, immediately do a health checkup. By knowing your condition, the doctor will be easier to determine the appropriate treatment and prevention methods. It can be with blood-thinning medications or other procedures.
