Blood, this sacred red liquid which plays an important role both in the diffusion of oxygen necessary for the vital processes, as in the transport of a set of substances (glucose, hormones, water, minerals, urea) of a part of the rest of the body. However, this substance can coagulate in case of dysfunction of the blood vessels, carriers of these elements.
In this article, we will discuss this cardiovascular disorder, called a blood clot, and we will zoom in on all the symptoms and signs that will allow you to detect if your body is suffering from it. Several medical treatments will be suggested towards the end of the article.
What is a blood clot?
The blood clot also called thrombosis is formed following the slowing of blood flow in an artery or vein, hence the obstruction of it. It occurs because of immobilization of the limbs or because of an atheroma. Its consequences can be dangerous because this obstruction prevents the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the organs of the body.
What are the symptoms of a blood clot?
Swelling of a body member:
We are talking here about vein thrombosis, a disorder caused by the formation of a blood clot, preventing oxygen from reaching the organs, which usually results in swelling of a particular lower limb ie legs.
Sensitivity and pain in the legs:
The pain or tenderness in the leg is a symptom of deep vein thrombosis. This pain in the leg is usually felt through cramps.
The appearance of bruises:
These skin lesions usually occur when a blood clot appears. We invite you to call your doctor if the area is warm to the touch.
Chest pains in case of deep breathing:
Acute chest pain that you feel in your chest when you breathe can be a sign of blood clot formation, which can lead to heart attacks. In this case, do not delay to consult your doctor!
Shortness of breath:
If you notice that your breathing is getting shorter, or you feel dizzy, unusual beating in your chest, these are all signs that may be a clot in your lungs.
Cough
Do not have any disease causing cough? Your heart rate worries you when you cough? Do not hesitate to visit your specialist doctor because it could possibly be the formation of a blood clot. It can also lead to a stroke. When this happens, the results can be serious or even fatal.
Acute headache:
A cerebral blood clot often manifests itself through frequent and acute headaches, accompanying a decrease in hearing.
Abdominal pain :
Swelling and abdominal pain are sometimes signs of a blood clot in this part of the body.
Some factors stimulate and increase the risk of having clots in your body; we site among others:
- Smoking
- The cancer
- obesity
- The pregnancy
- Some contraceptive pills
- The lack of sports activities
- The long periods spent in bed immobilizing the legs
So, the cure?
In order to prevent the blood clot from getting worse and migrate to the rest of the body, several anticoagulant medications are usually recommended. The goal of these is to reduce the risk of worsening clots and help dissolve them.
In addition, several natural alternatives are strongly recommended:
Move your body: Physical exercises are not necessarily boring. There is a range of fun activities that can help you avoid or even get rid of blood clots. Among these exercises you can try walking, jogging, swimming, aerobics, a team sport or even cycling.
Yoga: The positions of yoga that make certain limbs work like the calves, hips and tendons of the leg help a good flow of blood from the lower extremities of the body to the heart.
Have a diet that promotes good blood circulation:
Many foods and nutrients help to have a good blood circulation such as foods containing flavonoids (red fruits and vegetables such as tomato, red cabbage, pomegranate), vitamin C (citrus, spinach and lettuce), vitamin E (avocado and dried fruit) and potassium (banana).
Hydrate yourself:
Water is essential for life and the proper functioning of the body. Liquids in the body fluidify the blood by getting rid of clots and plaques that may be there.