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It has been reported that almost half of heart attack deaths occur in people who have none of the classic warning signs. No previous heart problems; no elevated blood pressure; and no high cholesterol. The risk factor is blood viscosity. All of the other heart factors such as blood pressure, high cholesterol levels are just symptoms of the blood viscosity factor.
When your blood becomes too thick it requires more pressure to move it through your blood vessels. This pressure leads to damage of your arteries. caused by friction and the lining of the blood vessels are eroded . To protect itself from erosion, your arteries patch themselves with plaque which in turn narrows the arteries and thereby increases the pressure which leads to more damage, and the vicious cycle is repeated over and over again.
Seven other risk factors related to blood viscosity which contribute to heart disease.
- Smoking which increases fibrogen and inflammation and thickens the blood.
- Obesity increases blood viscosity and fibrogen.
- Diabetes stiffens red blood cells making the blood thicker.
- Cholesterol. High LDL equals thicker blood, High HDL makes blood thinner.
- Blood Pressure. More friction, more injury to arteries.
- Age and Blood count. Young red blood cells are more flexible than older damaged cells.
- Gender. Women are protected by monthly loss of blood which leads to more young flexible blood cells.
Some of the factors involved in blood viscosity;
- Composition of the blood. More fluid makes thinner blood.
- High red blood cell count increases viscosity.
- Fats circulating in blood increases thickness.
- Temperature. Low temperature makes blood more sluggish.
Thinner blood moves more smoothly throughout the body while higher viscosity blood can lead to adhesions and possibly even blood clots in the veins. This makes it necessary for the heart to work harder. This increases the possibility of heart failure.
Physicians may prescribe medicines to help thin out the blood. One of these is coumadin which requires periodic monitoring. As with most medicines there are risks and side effects involved. The Mayo clinic states that “Warfarin (a.k.a. Coumadin) can have dangerous side effects or interactions that place you at risk for bleeding.”
There are various herbs and supplements that may have an effect on blood viscosity. One of these, Nattokinase, a supplement made from Soy beans has been touted as an effective means to prevent blood clots. However any supplements should be used under guidance of a health care professional and after consultation with your doctor.
I am not a doctor but the information given is from sources believed to be reliable. Any decisions made regarding your health care are solely your responsibility and should be made only after careful consideration and consultation with your doctor.
Related articles
- What Is Blood Viscosity? (brainz.org)
- Nattokinase May Soon be Sold as Aspirin Replacement to Treat Thromboses (findmeacure.com)
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