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Blood
Clots are when blood which thickens or masses or lumps together and stops circulation.
What to look for
Our blood clots as part of
a normal, healthy protective process however if any of the symptoms below occur blood
clotting may be the cause…
Unexpected and remote
pain in an arm or leg which can also include pins and needles sensation, numbness, or a
cold feeling below the pain. Gangrene (tissue death) may occur if this is not seen to and
treated.
A hard, bluish lump in a
vein.
Sudden blindness in one
eye may be due to a blood clot blocking a retinal artery.
Violent dizziness, or
vertigo, that impairs your ability to stand or walk may be caused by a small blood clot
blocking a cerebral artery.
Our blood flows normally
and freely through our veins and arteries and will clot as a normal, healthy defensive
process. This is how any bleeding is stopped and our healing can begin.
It is desirable, even
vital, when a blood vessel is injured, but clot formation inside a healthy blood vessel is
not normal and can be fatal. These types of clotting can indicate heart disease or venous diseases such as phlebitis.
A clot that forms in the
heart, blood vessel or vein and blocks circulation is called a thrombus. Tiny thrombi
develop on blood vessel walls to heal minute injuries, then normally dissolve. If they
don't dissolve, they tend to slow the circulation and flow with the blood.
When thrombosis occurs in
one of the coronary arteries of the heart, a patient has a heart attack. If it occurs in
the brain the patient has a stroke, in the leg vein can cause
phlebitis and if it occurs in the artery supplying a limb, gangrene may be the result.
Causes
Abnormal clotting results
usually from one of the following - coronary heart disease, artery disease, prolonged
immobilisation in which the blood clots because of poor circulation, after major surgery,
pregnancy, taking the contraceptive pill, or it may be associated with cancer.
Some individuals however
may be more susceptible to this condition than others in which their blood clots more
readily and easily than others.
Blood will coagulate inside
blood vessels if vessel walls are damaged or if circulation becomes unusually sluggish, as
in atherosclerosis.
Traditional Treatment
Your doctor should
prescribe drugs to help with this condition as well as aspirin. Blood clots may be removed
during another heart operation but surgery to remove blood clots is rare and only
performed in severe cases.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Always inform your doctor
before starting any other herbal remedies to ensure they will not interfere with your
prescribed medication.
Body/Mind -
Massage may be very helpful if the blood clot is due to poor circulation. This should
always be performed by a trained professional
Massage may be very helpful if the blood clot is due to poor circulation. This should
always be performed by a trained professional
Herbal Therapies
- Cayenne and ginkgo, Turmeric, bilberry, ginger,
grape-skin extract, and gugulipid, an extract of myrrh, Garlic and onion, as is bromelain, a pineapple enzyme. Cayenne and ginkgo, Turmeric, bilberry, ginger,
grape-skin extract, and gugulipid, an extract of myrrh, Garlic and onion, as is bromelain, a pineapple enzyme.
Dietary Considerations
Eat more oily fish such as
tuna and sardines, fresh fruit and vegetables, fibre filtered water. Certain vitamins and
minerals may also act as natural anticoagulants. Ask for advice about supplemental vitamin E and magnesium
to prevent abnormal clots from forming.
Prevention
Stick to the above
recommended dietary lifestyle
Try to stay within your
recommended weight range by exercising regularly and carefully.
Some doctors recommend
daily doses of aspirin for patients at risk of abnormal clotting. But always do this under
supervision of your doctor.
When to seek further
professional advice
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