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Blood Clotting Disorders – Symptoms, Causes, and More

When an individual gets injured and begins to bleed, the affected area usually undergoes a blood clotting process. The proteins and other particles in the blood called platelets work together to form a clot and stop the bleeding. This process is also called coagulation. The body typically dissolves the blood clot once the injury has healed. But some individuals might suffer from blood disorders, which could prevent or delay the clotting process.

What are blood clotting disorders?
When the blood clots heavily and abnormally while moving through the body, without any occurrence of an injury, it is diagnosed as a blood clotting disorder. The actual term used for such a condition is hypercoagulable state or thrombophilia. It can be dangerous or even fatal if not identified or diagnosed early.

People with hypercoagulable states can develop blood clots in different arteries and veins throughout the body. But blood clots in the arteries near the heart are more dangerous as they can increase the risk for stroke and heart attack.

The disorder can be called by different names, depending on where the blood clots develop. For instance, if the clots form in the body’s deep veins, it is known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. In DVT, the blood clots usually develop in the veins of the leg, causing symptoms like leg pain and walking difficulty. Another example of a clotting disorder is pulmonary embolism, where clots form in the lungs.

What are the signs of blood clotting disorders?
Many patients with thrombophilia remain asymptomatic, making it hard to diagnose. However, some experience chest pain, tachypnea, shortness of breath, and extreme tiredness. While these could be signs of other health conditions, they are also symptoms of blood clots. Those with blood clots in the leg experience symptoms like calf swelling and pain and tenderness in the veins or deep venous system. Individuals who notice these signs should visit a doctor for a diagnosis.

What causes blood clotting disorders?
Clotting disorders or hypercoagulable states are either acquired or genetic. Those with the genetic form suffer from blood clots right from birth. Such cases are usually linked to genetic problems like factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, abnormal fibrinolytic system, hypoplasminogenemia, dysplasminogenemia, and a deficiency or lack of natural proteins in the body that helps prevent clotting. It could also be due to increased levels of homocysteine, factor VIII, or plasminogen activator inhibitors.

The acquired form of the disorder is not linked to gene problems. Individuals may develop it due to external factors that increase the chances of blood clots. Typical examples are surgery, trauma, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, bed rest for a long time, inflammatory bowel syndrome, HIV/ AIDS, cancer, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and nephrotic syndrome.

How are blood clotting disorders diagnosed?
Doctors conduct several tests and examinations to diagnose such health conditions. It mostly begins with the evaluation of the patient’s health history.

Evaluation of health records
Health experts may suspect hypercoagulable states if the individual has a record of the following:

Abnormal blood clotting occurs before the age of 50
Thrombosis in veins, liver, intestines, kidney, brain, etc.
Recurring blood clots
History of miscarriages
Stroke at a young age
Family history of abnormal clotting

Laboratory testing
If a person has any of these conditions, the doctor might advise specific blood tests to diagnose the disease further. The tests are performed at a specialized laboratory and analyzed by a clinician with expertise in coagulation. However, they are usually done when there are no signs of clotting in the body.

There are two common lab tests for diagnosis: PT and aPTT. The prothrombin time (PT) test calculates the international normalized ratio (INR). The INR helps determine how fast the patient’s blood is clotting. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a similar test that also helps determine how long it takes for the blood to clot. This test monitors fibrinogen levels and complete blood count (CBT).

Apart from the above, specific tests may be conducted to identify if the condition is inherited or acquired. Tests to diagnose inherited coagulable states include genetics tests, factor V Leiden, antithrombin activity, protein C activity, and fasting plasma homocysteine levels. Tests to diagnose acquired coagulable states in a patient include anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulants.

Are there any home remedies for blood clots?
There are several treatments to prevent blood clots. But patients may also consider the following home remedies or foods for the best results:

Turmeric
A component present in turmeric called curcumin helps prevent blood clots in the body. It also helps manage pain caused due to clots. One can add turmeric to different dishes and even tea.

Garlic
Garlic has sulfur compounds that help dissolve blood clots. Patients may add one raw garlic clove to their meals daily for effective results. Besides helping with blood disorders, garlic may reduce blood pressure.

Cayenne peppers
Cayenne peppers are known to thin the blood naturally, thanks to a powerful compound called salicylates; however, since peppers can be spicy, one should add smaller quantities to the meals.

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