There is a saying that blood is thicker than water, but blood concentration may be a serious medical problem. Although uncommon, there are also some diseases that can cause blood stickiness, including diseases that cause abnormal increase in blood cells and lead to hypercoagulation or excessive coagulation. These diseases can lead to serious life-threatening consequences, so early detection and treatment are very important.
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(image: Wavebreak media/istock/getty images)excessive blood cells
some diseases, i.e. blood cancer, can make bloo thicker. Because they cause abnormally high levels of blood cells. Although rare, a more common cause of blood stickiness is polycythemia vera (pv), in which the body produces too many blood cells, mainly too many red blood cells. PV is caused by gene mutation and usually develops slowly in a few years.Macromaglobulinemia is a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or blood cancer, which can lead to excessive production of antibodies (a blood protein), called immunoglobulin M. Myeloma is a blood cancer caused by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of plasma cells (a type of white blood cell). AT produces antibodies. These conditions may also lead to blood stickiness, the accumulation of abnormal antibodies in the blood, resulting in too few anti-infective antibodies.
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When you suffer a wound or cut, your body forms a blood clot to stop bleeding, a process called coagulation. Thrombosis is caused by fibrin, platelets or cell debris in the blood. Usually, your body breaks down blood clots. However, sometimes thrombosis is too easy or inadequate to dissolve. This excessive coagulation, hypercoagulability, can also lead to blood stickiness. This can be dangerous because thrombus can form in your blood vessels, preventing blood from flowing to tissues or organs. Hypercoagulable state may be caused by hereditary diseases, or may be associated with acquired diseases, such as certain autoimmune diseases and cancer, pregnancy or certain drugs. The effect of on health
Thick blood flow slower than normal blood flow, which will make the body organs and tissues lose the oxygen required for essential functions. Side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, itching and vision problems. High levels of abnormal white blood cells can lead to anemia, fatigue, weight loss, bone pain and frequent infections. Most importantly, people with sticky blood, whether from excessive blood cells or hypercoagulability, are at high risk of thrombosis, blocking or limiting the flow of blood to vital organs. Possible consequences include stroke, heart attack or severe damage to other organs, such as kidneys or lungs.
Many people are not diagnosed with these diseases until later years. However, sometimes these diseases are found through routine blood tests, personal or family history, or when doctors are investigating the causes of early symptoms such as fatigue or anemia. Depending on the severity and underlying causes of blood viscosity, there may be ways to correct the disease or reduce the risk of related complications. Venectomy -- removing some blood -- or drugs are treatments designed to reduce the number of blood cells. Hemodilution drugs such as warfarin (coumarin) can reduce blood clotting. Consulting a doctor specializing in the treatment of blood diseases will determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation. Warning
Most importantly, if you suspect thrombosis, stroke or heart attack, you need to see a doctor immediately. Blood clots in the legs can cause redness, pain, fever and swelling in the calves. Heart attack or blood clots in the lungs or heart can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, chest tightness or pressure, and discomfort in the neck, chin, upper back or arm. Symptoms of stroke include difficulty in speaking or understanding language, headache or paralysis, usually on the side of the body. These symptoms require urgent medical care to determine the cause and receive life-saving treatment as soon as possible.
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