Coagulation refers to clotting of blood. It is the process because of which blood clots and forms solid masses. There are various types of cells and substances in the blood that affect clotting. The whole process is mainly initiated by blood platelets. Platelets produce a substance which combined with calcium ones form thromboplastin.
Thromboplastin is responsible for converting the protein prothrombin into thrombin through a complex series of reactions. Thrombin converts a protein substance fibrinogen into fibrin which is an insoluble protein. Fibrin results in forming an intricate network of minute threadlike structures called fibrils that cause the blood plasma to gel. The plasma and the blood cells are enmeshed in the network of fibrils. This results in the formation of the clot.
Causes of blood coagulation
Blood clots are formed when plasma protein and platelets thickens. This results in forming semisolid mass. One of the main reasons for such clot is injury. It can also happen inside blood vessels that do not have an obvious injury.
Some of the major causes that are associated with blood coagulation are:
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms and signs of the blood clots depend on their location in the body. There are some blood clots that do not produce any signs. They either dislocate or travel through the circulatory system to other sites or they rupture. Symptoms of blood clots include:
Preventive measures
There are various reasons for blood coagulation. Sometimes it happens because of age. While normal blood coagulation is a natural part of healing, some time abnormal venous and arterial clots are a significant cause of disability and death. Special attention to nutrients through diet and supplement programme should be done to avoid blood coagulation that can be prevented if proper diet is taken. Get yourself checked by doctor at regular intervals so that any abnormality can be detected at an early stage and proper treatment can be given before it s too late.
Myths and facts:
Myth: Blood donation can result in blood clots
Fact: Blood donation will result in blood clotting only if the person is dehydrated. Hence, before donating it is essential that you drink lots of fruit juice or water.
Myth: Vegans are prone to blood clots
Fact: Blood clots do not depend on vegan or non vegan diet. It mainly takes place because of vitamin K deficiency. If the person takes adequate amount of food such as cabbage, mustard, spinach and so on than the adequate nutrients will acts as blood thinner and prevent clotting.
Myth: Massage during pregnancy does not lead to blood clots
Fact: Massage leads to improvement in blood circulation. However, the same is not true for pregnant women as massage during that time puts one at greater risk of blood clot formation.
Myth: After sexual intercourse, men can get blood clots
Fact: In healthy people who maintain genital hygiene blood clots do not happen. However, due to prostrate infection and dirty urinary tract blood clots may happen.
Diagnosis of disease
The diagnosis of blood clot can be suggested after going through the medical history and also after doing complete physical examination. Evaluation of your condition will differ depending on the type as well as location of your blood clot. Medical and family history will be reviewed in detail by your doctor if you have a close relative with whom you share blood connection suffer from the following:
Some blood tests will also be performed by your doctor to get information about platelet count and blood count. These tests are done so as to measure white blood cells, red blood cells and also get a platelets count in your blood. Platelet count is very important as platelets are blood cell fragments which stick together to form clots. In case of more information additional blood tests may also be conducted. You may also be sent for one or more of the below tests:
Treatment for blood coagulation
Treatment of the disease usually depends on the type and location of your blood clot.
A procedure called inferior vena cava filter placement may be recommended for patients who are at high risk for blood clots. In the procedure filter is placed into your vein so as to prevent blood clot fragments from travelling through the veins to lungs or heart.
Here is a list of anticoagulants that can be prescribed by the doctor for treating blood clots. Such blood thinner names are:
This is not a complete list of medicines. There may be other medicines also.
Steps to improve the health
Important things to know
Taking anticoagulant drugs may cause certain side effects. Anticoagulant side effects may include excessive bleeding, diarrhoea or constipation, indigestion, feeling and being sick, dizziness, rashes, headaches, jaundice, itchy skin, hair loss. If you experience any of such side effects it is best to get medical attention as early as possible.
