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Blood & Circulatory Problems
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A blood clot develops when blood converts from a free-flowing liquid to a semisolid gel. This is usually part of the body's normal response to an injury. Normal clotting occurs within seconds and helps limit blood loss by sealing damaged blood vessels when there is an injury. However, blood clots can threaten life if they form inside major blood vessels. Normal blood flow is blocked and function is reduced or lost. The result can be heart attacks, strokes, or other disorders. The cause for most internal blood clots is unknown. Blood clots in the lungs are the main cause of 50,000 to 100,000 deaths each year in the United States. They also contribute to tens of thousands of other deaths. Blood clots can be directly related to other problems such as surgical recovery, accidents, long term immobility, and cancer.About 500,000 people in the United States suffer from strokes annually. Of these, 80 percent are caused by a blood clot that reduces the blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Smokers, nonexercisers, and the obese have a higher risk for developing blood clots. People with blood vessel problems, such as varicose veins, hardening of the arteries, vessel injury or surgery, are at risk, as well. Certain diseases like emphysema or clotting disorders of the blood also increase the chance of forming blood clots. Blood clots are the main sudden cause of heart attack. Lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing blood clots. Cut back on fats and cholesterol in your diet. Schedule regular exercise workouts. Exercise is known to produce substances that can break up clots. Drugs and blood thinners are given for treatment and to prevent more clots from developing. Copyright © 1997 National Health Enhancement Systems, Inc.
(602) 230-7575. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change
without notice.
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