A blood clot that blocks a vein (venous thromboembolism) can cause tissue death and chronic venous insufficiency. @colleenyoung thank you for this really helpful information. A 2005 meta-analysis published in The Journal of the American Medical Association involving data from more than 150,000 people found that elevated fibrinogen levels were associated with an increased risk for heart attack, stroke and overall mortality. Treatment Outlook Summary Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the body. It qualifies as a cancer because it involves uncontrolled cell production. Polycythemia vera causes your body to produce too many red blood cells. Thick blood isn't a condition in itself. Hi @faithgirl30, we meet again. Erythrocytosis causes you to have high levels of hematocrit and/or hemoglobin. Cayenne pepper is quite spicy, however, and many people can only tolerate it in small amounts. The dose that I usually recommend to prevent stroke and coronary disease is 1,000 mg daily of DHA and EPA.B vitamins. People take it for blood disorders and memory problems. This enzyme is the most potent natural anticoagulant. Further research is necessary to see if ginkgo has the same effects on the human body. Vitamin K is sometimes used to limit the risk of excessive bleeding in certain conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The World Health Organization (WHO) requires three separate criteria to diagnose polycythemia vera: In the early stages, PV is treated conservatively. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Let them know how youre responding to treatment and if youre experiencing any side effects. It may have anti-inflammatory properties and might be an effective remedy for cardiovascular diseases. Because of these effects, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests that certain groups of people should not take grape seed extract, including people: Dong quai, also known as female ginseng, is another traditional Chinese herb that may reduce blood clotting. Multiple Myeloma https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/multiple-myeloma-26f521/ Excess iron can lead to erectile dysfunction and loss of sex drive in men. Chest pain (heart attack/pulmonary embolism). Sudden loss of balance or coordination (stroke). Because most doctors dont routinely order this blood test, you will need to request it.It should be tested even if your CRP level is normal. Apparenterythrocytosis may improve if the underlying cause is identified and managed. Gangat N, Oliveira JL, Hoyer JD, Patnaik MM, Pardanani A, Tefferi A. Mithoowani S, Laureano M, Crowther MA, Hillis CM. This decreases your blood volume and reduces the number of excess blood cells. With secondary erythrocytosis, the red blood cell production is too much. Interested in more discussions like this? Blood Thinners. Your provider may perform any of the following tests to diagnose erythrocytosis. J. Only time will tell if they are safer, but all blood thinners have inherent serious risks such as the potential for excessive bleeding in any organ. Hughes M, Lip GY. To get the anticoagulant effects of natural salicylates, people may want to use fresh or dried ginger regularly in baking, cooking, and juices. They develop very slowly and often arent diagnosed until after the age of 60. Some people also take melatonin as a supplement to help with sleep and sleep disorders. A 2018 study from Food Science and Biotechnology reports that garlic powder demonstrates antithrombotic activities in rats. Health conditions that can cause secondary erythrocytosis include: Erythrocytosiscan bediagnosed by carrying out a blood test to check: A high concentration of red blood cells suggests you have erythrocytosis. This effect may result from dong quais coumarin content, the same substance that makes cinnamon such a potent anticoagulant. Causes Blood appearing when blowing the nose may be caused by dry nasal cavities, an injury, nose picking, or blowing too hard. A small plate of mozzarella cheese. Hemochromatosis also can cause abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias. Patients often take these supplements at increasing doses until their fibrinogen levels are in the normal range. With anemia, the body does not have enough red blood cells and is unable to deliver enough oxygen around the. Then they take both of these remedies indefinitelyNattokinase. For example, 1/2-cup of kale contains 660 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin K so it is important to limit these foods. Antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy is usually used to treat medical conditions that affect blood clotting. Even if I dont have PV, it would be nice to know if abnormally high levels of red blood cells and a high hematocrit might turn into something like Polycythemia Vera later, and if there is anything we can do to prevent this. Erythrocytosis is also commonly called polycythemia. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare disease that causes your body to make too many red blood cells. Thismakes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vesselsand organs. Excess iron in your heart affects the heart's ability to circulate enough blood for your body's needs. But giving it to them as they form their thoughts and questions can be very helpful. An echocardiogram is commonly used to diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Many factors can influence whats considered a normal concentration for red blood cells. It causes your blood to thicken, which increases the risk of a stroke. It is normal for us to try to make decisions about what the doctors need or want to hear. Burning and redness, especially in your face, hands or feet. Thank you! Barron, C. Knowing the difference between anticoagulants and anti platelets. Your endometrium is the lining that you shed during your menstrual period. I dont know whats wrong with you I just dont think its related to anything I treat. There has been no recommendation for follow up by any one else at Mayo, so everything youve read is for appointments that dont yet exist. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. I know no one on this site can diagnose, I am just trying to decide on the list of things we are concerned about right now where to place this new observation about my health. It progresses very slowly and often isnt diagnosed until after the age of 60. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. One 2020 research review from Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research indicates that melatonin may block the clumping of platelets to form clots. Pregnancy. Increased thickening of blood - or elevated blood viscosity - is a common age-related condition that contributes to a number of significant health problems. Many differentmedicines are available and your specialist will take into account your age and health, response to venesection and red blood cell count when choosing the most appropriateone for you. However, taking coumarin-rich cinnamon on a long-term basis can cause liver damage. Cayenne peppers are also high in salicylates and may act as powerful blood-thinning agents. This disease occurs most often in people who are 60 years old or older. This can lead it to become swollen and sore (splenomegaly). In addition to considering the information above, your provider may perform several tests. Enlarged veins on the surface of your skin. I recommend getting tested for preventive purposes, especially if you smokeare overweighthave hypertension, peripheral artery disease or diabeteshave family members with heart diseaseor have unexplained fatiguefibromyalgiaor memory/focus problems. However, more research in large groups of people is required to evaluate the supplements safety and effectiveness for health conditions. Douketis J and Gregory YHL. Examples include: Clinical trials offer people the chance to try new emerging treatments while contributing to medical research. Your blood consists of solid parts, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It's usually caused by a change in the JAK2 gene, which causes the bone marrow cells to produce too many red blood cells. There are 2 main types: Polycythaemia vera is rare. Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition in which the lining of your uterus (endometrium) thickens due to an overgrowth of cells. A genetic defect can cause a cell to multiply out of control, creating too many red blood cells. Get immediate medical attention if you notice signs of the following conditions: Erythrocytosis involves having a higher-than-normal concentration of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in your blood. In addition to promoting clots and playing a role in the development and expansion of atherosclerotic plaque, elevated fibrinogen is believed to slow the flow of blood, which makes the heart work harder and reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, brain and all cells of the body. Drinking about eight glasses of water daily can help maintain normal hydration and thin blood. Hormones may be used to moderate the thickness of the endometrial lining. ), Severe pain, swelling and tenderness in your joints (. Thick blood disease is denoted by the attribute of hypercoagulability, Get informed about thick blood symptoms, causes and how to treat thick blood. However, hormone treatments are associated with an increased risk of cancer. More serious conditions, like polycythemia vera, require lifelong treatment. Its specific job is to generate networks of fibers that link platelets together to stop blood flow. My primary care doctor in reviewing several years worth of lab work this past week noticed a pattern high hematocrit, high red blood cell count and low lymphocyte count. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information. Treatment of thick, sticky mucus depends on the cause of your symptoms. For patients whose fibrinogen levels are not high, I recommend that they take supplements to maintain healthful blood viscosity.Omega-3s. Swelling, pain or redness in one leg (DVT). He diagnosed me with what he called, thick blood. We need adequate levels of fibrinogen to stop bleeding when we are injured. Many inherited causes of primary erythrocytosis only cause mild symptoms and arent life-threatening. Natural blood thinners are substances that reduce the bloods ability to form clots. Your submission has been received! UpToDate. But natural remedies are unlikely to be as effective as blood-thinning drugs, and people at risk of blood clots should not use them instead of prescription medications. And dont neglect taking care of yourself in the little ways healthy lifestyle habits that can help maintain your general cardiovascular health, which might turn out to be just as important as any medical treatment for polycythemia vera. The following can all be signs of endometrial hyperplasia: Your periods are getting longer and heavier than usual. It also includes a liquid portion called plasma. Feverfew is a medicinal herb that comes from the same family as daisies, or the Asteraceae family. All rights reserved. Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group. A range of spices and supplements such as ginger and Gingko biloba may have this effect. For breakfast, have a bowl of nonfat yogurt topped with a sprinkle of nuts and some dried blueberries, which contain a small amount of vitamin K. Serve lean beef along with a glass of milk and a spinach salad containing mushrooms, sunflower seeds and a small amount of lowfat shredded cheese for dinner. Seek emergency medical help if you think that you or someone you're with is having a heart attack or stroke. You can begin to ease symptoms of this type of anemia by adding . When blood becomes too thick, it can lead to clots and other complications. These strands are called fibrin. blood in the stools. It's the same procedure used for donating blood. The vitamins and nutrients in certain foods act as natural blood thinners. The excitement was understandable. Your blood may become too thick. However, it takes a long time for uncontrolled production of red blood cells to begin affecting you. Your provider may also prescribe medicines that can lower your red blood cell count, including: Your provider may recommend specific medications and procedures to treat the underlying condition causing erythrocytosis. Your provider may perform other tests, including imaging and a bone marrow biopsy if they suspect a specific condition like polycythemia vera. Its important to work with your provider to determine whats causing your erythrocytosis so you receive the right treatment to provide symptom relief or prevent complications, as needed. After stopping feverfew, the persons blood coagulation returned to normal. Vitamin K, calcium and zinc are all necessary for the reactions in your body that cause blood to thicken and clot, so eating foods rich in these nutrients may be beneficial for thickening your blood. Treatments Complications Outlook What is thick blood? However, injecting bromelain into a small number of mice did not show this effect, and more research needs to be done. Should I be concerned? Your levels may be high for many reasons. Venesectioninvolves removing about1 pint (half a litre) of blood at a time, in a similar way to the procedure used for blood donation. A. ( 1) Who Needs Blood Thinners? There is some evidence to suggest that grape seed extract may have potential benefits for several heart and blood conditions. Maybe a higher Platelet count could be considered "thick blood" I have a higher count and was told to take an low dose aspirin daily I take it at night. Extra red blood cells also lead to more stomach acid, which can cause stomach ulcers. The blood flows from the needle into a tube that's attached to a blood bag. People take it to help with conditions including: Like ginger and cayenne pepper, aloe contains salicylates that likely cause blood-thinning effects. While a person's blood may look uniform, it's made of a combination of different cells, proteins, and clotting factors, or substances. Her bottom line was, I dont think you problem is endocrine. However, researchers carried out the study in a laboratory, rather than on people or animals. Vegetarians can make a kale and tofu stir-fry topped with a sprinkle of nuts. In some cases, when CRP goes up, so do fibrinogen levels. Mild anemia often causes no symptoms. Hematocrit levels: Hematocrit is the number of red blood cells you have. Treatment of thick blood problems. Treatment of thick blood depends on the underlying cause of thick blood. They are very good at asking questions that might eventually draw that information out. Erythrocytosis describes having too many red blood cells (a solid part) in relation to plasma (the liquid part). Most causes of erythrocytosis cant be cured. And a recent study published in Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in patients who had had an ischemic stroke than in patients who were healthy. Updated May 21, 2019. Make an appointment to see your GP if you have persistent symptoms of erythrocytosis. And when they do, you can manage your condition for a long time by simply having some of your extra blood drawn. A cup of lowfat milk provides 31 percent of the DV, and the same amount of nonfat plain yogurt has 49 percent of the DV. You can develop a genetic mutation over time (acquired), or you may be born with a genetic disorder (inherited). You're advice to @faithgirl30 is wise. The average age of death is about 77. Estrogen may be used to thicken the endometrial lining of if it is too thin. Blood Thinners. I suggest organizing history as you are doing, then put it out there for the doctors to make that decision. It may be best to stick to small amounts of cinnamon in the diet in addition to using other natural blood thinners. Multiple Myeloma: Not a candidate for chemo, what's next? How often you need to have blood drawn depends on the severity of your condition. Each ounce of nonfat mozzarella contains 29 percent of the DV. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Ried, K. (2020). It can also cause vague but irritating symptoms, such as skin itchiness, ringing in your ears, abdominal pain, nose bleeds and blurred or double vision. 2019. At first, you may need the treatment every week, but once your erythrocytosis is under control you should need it less often. They often begin with the kind of vague complaints that are common to many disorders, including: Eventually, some more curious symptoms may develop, including: If PV progresses to a secondary condition, you may experience symptoms of that condition. People can take aloe as a capsule or as a soft gel. Can Certain Fruits and Vegetables Reduce Blood Clots? It's an abnormal response to wound healing in which extra connective tissue forms within the original wound area. Deep vein thrombosis. Good luck with upcoming appointment and preparation. In some rare cases, it can develop into a type of cancer calledacute myeloid leukaemia (AML). It can also cause vague but irritating symptoms, such as skin itchiness, ringing in your . Eventually, affected individuals may develop fatigue, fever, frequent infections, pale skin, night sweats and unexplained weight loss.". This isa hormone produced by the kidneys thatstimulates the bone marrow cells to produce red blood cells. Journal of the American Health Information Management Association. Erythrocytosis can be divided into several differenttypes, depending on the underlying cause. I dont actually have any upcoming appointments. While nutrient deficiencies can make thin blood more likely, a number of other health conditions could also . For example: Polycythemia vera (PV) is a kind of cancer, but most people continue living well for decades after diagnosis. In one study published in Nutrition Research, researchers gave nattokinase supplements to healthy people as well as to people with cardiovascular or kidney disease. Complete blood cell count (CBC): A CBC measures the amount of red, white, and platelet cells in the blood. More severe anemia can cause fatigue . Regular menstrual periods are a fact of life for most women. Next review due: 17 March 2026, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), red skin,particularly in the face, hands and feet this may be more difficult to see on black or brown skin, pain, swelling,redness and tenderness in one of your legs, the number of red blood cells in your blood (, the amount of space the red blood cells take up in the blood (haematocrit level), a blood test to look for the changed JAK2 gene. Treatment forerythrocytosis aims to prevent symptoms and complications (such as blood clots), and treat any underlying causes. Antiplatelets keep blood cells from sticking together to become a clot. Erythrocytosis causes you to have high levels of hematocrit and/or hemoglobin. Tear Drop Cells and Ovalocytes: Anyone had these in lab reports? New skin forms as the wound heals. Harvard Health Publications. Thyroid Disease. . Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Having thick blood (known as hypercoagulability) means you are at increased risk for developing blood clots. An antithrombotic agent is a substance that reduces blood clot formation. However, it is essential to speak with a doctor before trying herbal remedies such as dong quai and grape seed extract. Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy. Stopping smoking or reducing your alcohol intake, for example,may help. People can usually consume foods with potential blood-thinning properties safely in reasonable amounts. Review of herbal medications with the potential to cause bleeding: Dental implications, and risk prediction and prevention avenues. Many of the symptoms of erythrocytosis are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. Investigating the power of music for dementia. It does does sound like my doctor may", "My husband has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and so many of the symptoms are similar". However, more research is needed on aloe as a dietary supplement in humans. De Maat, et al., y/Total Fibrinogen Ratio Is Associated with Short-Term Outcome in Ischaemic Stroke, Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (2011).Reprinted with the permission of Bottom Line/Natural Healing With Dr. Stengler, 2023 by Mark Stengler, NMD, MS. All rights reserved. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Its further broken down based on whether its causes are considered primary or secondary. Although caused by a genetic change, polycythaemia vera isn't usually inherited. The affected bone marrow cells can also develop into other cells found in the blood, which means that people with polycythaemia vera may also have abnormally high numbers of both platelets and white bloods cells. Skip Navigation Skip Navigation Johns Hopkins Medicine Menu Johns Hopkins Medicine Home About Many patients, especially seniors, dont drink enough water and suffer from chronic dehydration. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Women need at least 90 micrograms of vitamin K per day, and men require at least 120 micrograms. Best wishes for getting answers to help you understand your issues. Feverfew is available in capsule or liquid form. Redness, heat, tingling or burning in your hands and feet. Your body's job is to produce just enough fibrin to help your blood to clot when it needs to, but not so much that you end up with thick blood. Thank you! In some instances, simple lifestyle changes like reducing or stopping a medication may fix the issue. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). People take dong quai orally and can consume it in herbal tea or soup. If your doctor sanctions this course of action, he will require regular blood tests to monitor whether your clotting properties remain diminished and your blood indeed thinned. It is sometimes called thick blood disease and is associated with some of the symptoms you mention. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Even though they are natural, some substances and foods may thin the blood too much, especially when people take them in conjunction with medications. This can increase the risk of bleeding. The two key omega-3 fatseicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are mild blood thinners and are known to reduce inflammation. A 100-mg capsule contains about 2,000 fibrin units (FU). Phlebotomy is the most common treatment for polycythemia vera. Some effects are mild while others are more serious. Endometrial hyperplasia is when the lining of your uterus (endometrium) becomes too thick. These include: Erythrocytosis also increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Is it OK to Take Folic Acid and Zinc Together? Instead, treatment can help ease symptoms. More serious causes of erythrocytosis can cause your blood to become too thick, putting you at risk of blood clots, heart attacks or strokes. They thicken your blood and slow your circulation, which means your blood carries less oxygen to your bodys tissues and organs than they need. Blood thinners work in two ways. Just realized I got the wrong name @1nan (see note posted above in response to your comment). Primary erythrocytosis often results from a genetic mutation that affects your bone marrow. It can cause symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing, coughing up blood, and irregular heartbeats. People should research different brands carefully before buying to ensure that the products are of high quality. Rather, it is a result of other vascular conditions. It can happen as a result of dehydration. A needle is placed in a large blood vessel, typically in the elbow crease, to remove blood. A feeling of fullness soon after eating and bloating or pain in your left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen. It is unlikely, however, that natural salicylates are as effective as blood-thinning medications. The most significant threat from polycythemia vera isnt from cancer itself, but from the risk of blood clots. PV can also lead to several secondary conditions. However, people with polycythaemia vera can have a slightly lower life expectancy than normal due to the increased risk of problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. @Nancy. "The symptoms of polycythemia vera usually develop slowly over many years. Health Effects. Other foods containing salicylates, the blood thinning property in aspirin, work as natural blood thinners. Secondary causes of erythrocytosis dont often require this treatment. Bone marrow is the primary site in your body where red blood cells get made. "Absolute erythrocytosis" is where your body produces too many red blood cells. However, a small study from 2015 in Blood finds that taking 1,000 milligrams (mg) of dong quai daily did not significantly affect blood clotting. You may continue living a long time without severe symptoms. Many natural substances may reduce clotting to some degree. Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group. We avoid using tertiary references. Policy. Please follow up with an oncologist. Other names for polycythemia vera include primary polycythemia, polycythemia rubra vera, erythema and Osler-Vaquez disease. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Over time, polycythemia vera may also induce secondary conditions. It is very similar to donating blood . Blood clotting is a necessary process, but sometimes the blood can clot too much, leading to complications that can be potentially dangerous. The presence of fluid in the . Venesection is the simplest and quickest way of reducing the number of red cells in your blood. Symptoms usually develop slowly over time, if they appear at all. Ginkgo is also a very popular herbal supplement in the United States and Europe. Health-Alicious-Ness.com: Top 10 Foods Highest in Vitamin K, University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin K, Health-Alicious-Ness.com: Top 10 Foods Highest in Calcium, University of Maryland Medical Center: Zinc, Health-Alicious-Ness.com: Top 10 Foods Highest in Zinc. All of the reproduced cells also continue to reproduce, until the abnormal cells crowd out the normal cells in your bone marrow.
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how to treat thick blood
