If a clot breaks off and travels to block a blood vessel that supplies blood to the lungs, this is called a pulmonary embolism PE , and it is life threatening.
Protein C deficiency affects around 1 in — people, protein S deficiency 1 in people, and antithrombin deficiency 1 in 2,—5, people. Learn more about protein C deficiency. People with this genetic feature have too much of the blood-clotting protein factor II, also called prothrombin. Prothrombin is one factor that enables blood to clot correctly, but too much prothrombin can increase the risk of clots forming, including those responsible for DVT and PEs.
Risk factors include :. Thick blood often produces no symptoms. The first sign may be a blood clot, or a person may experience symptoms related to the underlying health condition. What are the symptoms of a blood clot? For health conditions that affect blood clotting, doctors may prescribe drug-based treatments, such as:.
A doctor will only prescribe medication if a dangerous blood clot has formed or they suspect that the person has an increased risk of clotting. Learn more about treatments for blood clots. When a blood clot affects a deep vein, a doctor may diagnose DVT.
These clots tend to affect the large veins of the lower legs, but they can form in the thighs, arms, abdomen, or pelvis.
In the area of a clot, a person tends to have pain and circulation problems. Specific symptoms of a DVT include:. A PE can occur when part of a clot detaches and travels to the heart or lungs. If this happens, the fragment can cause a new clot, block blood flow, and interfere with gas exchange in the lungs. A PE is a life threatening emergency.
Other possible complications of blood clots include :. Certain medical conditions can cause the blood to become thick, increasing the risk of clots and other complications. Anyone with a family history of thick blood or blood clotting disorders should speak with a doctor about the risks and possible complications. Also, seek medical advice about any unusual symptoms.
As a result, your blood becomes less thick. If you have a disease that causes blood to clot too easily like factor V mutations , your doctor may recommend some of the following treatments:. However, many people who have conditions that could make their blood thick never experience a blood clot.
These include:. Blood clots in your veins will impact blood flow to key areas of your body. If you think you may have a blood clot, seek immediate medical treatment. One of the most potentially deadly effects of thick blood is pulmonary emboli, which are blood clots that block one or more of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs.
The symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, chest pain, and a cough that may have blood present. You should seek emergency medical treatment if you think you could have pulmonary emboli. According to the Cleveland Clinic , there is currently no data to suggest that thick blood affects life expectancy. However, if your family has a history of the condition, you may want to consult your doctor about possible risks. A complete blood count, or CBC, measures several components of your blood and can help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from anemia and to cancer.
Learn about a blood smear, including why it's done, what to expect during it, and how to interpret its results. Sputum is a mixture of saliva and mucus.
Sometimes you may cough up blood-tinged sputum. Learn about causes like bronchitis , prevention, and more. If left untreated, a blood clot can reach your organs and cause potentially life threatening conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, or a….
A fibrinogen activity test is used to determine the level of fibrinogen in your blood. Learn more here. Bleeding diathesis means a tendency to bleed or bruise easily. Bleeding disorders often occur when blood doesn't clot properly.
Learn about common…. Find out what to do in case of hemorrhage, or bleeding. Discover how to recognize a medical emergency, the complications, and more. Problems with blood thickness can occur from birth, or develop later in life. Blood thickness may be affected by foods, drugs, and various medical conditions. Thick blood may lead to blood clots in the legs, causing a painful, swollen condition called deep venous thrombosis. Sometimes a piece of clot breaks off to lung causing chest pain and shortness of breath- a life threatening condition called pulmonary embolism.
Sometimes thick blood causes clots in arteries rather than veins. A blood clot forming in the neck arteries may travel to brain and cause a stroke. A blood clot forming in the arteries of the heart can result in a heart attack. Blood clots cause problems in the affected organ by cutting off oxygen flow. Thick blood is caused by heavy proteins, or by too much blood in the circulation.
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