Is Thick Blood OK?
No, thick blood is generally not okay. Thick blood, also known as hypercoagulability, increases your risk of serious health problems.
Thick blood means your blood is more viscous than normal. This increased thickness makes it more prone to clotting, even when you're not bleeding. This can lead to dangerous blood clots forming in your blood vessels. These clots can block blood flow, causing strokes, heart attacks, and damage to organs and tissues. Thick blood isn't a standalone diagnosis but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. There is often an imbalance in proteins and cells causing blood to thicken. One common underlying cause is an excess of red blood cells, which is often seen in a rare blood disorder called Polycythemia Vera.
Symptoms of Thick Blood
Several symptoms can indicate thick blood. These can include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Visual disturbances
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Bruising
Risks Associated with Thick Blood
The primary risk associated with thick blood is the formation of blood clots. These clots can travel to vital organs, causing:
- Stroke: Blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain.
- Heart attack: Blood clot blocking blood flow to the heart.
- Pulmonary embolism: Blood clot blocking blood flow to the lungs.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it's crucial to consult a doctor. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your thick blood and recommend appropriate treatment. A blood thickness test might be recommended if you have polycythemia vera, a history of blood clots, or symptoms suggesting your blood is too thick.
Treatment for Thick Blood
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the thick blood. It may involve medication to thin the blood, lifestyle changes, or even blood donation to reduce the number of red blood cells.
