Thick blood is caused by a variety of conditions, such as heavy proteins in the blood, too much blood in circulation or a blood clot system imbalance, according to Southeastern Medical Oncology Center. Diseases such as cancer and lupus can also lead to thick blood.Know More
Thick blood moves slower through the circulatory system, which puts excess strain on the heart and increases the individual's risk for blood clots, according to Mary Ann Bauman, MD, spokeswoman for the American Heart Association. Thicker blood can also lead to inadequate oxygenation to the brain, legs or vital organs. In addition to cancer and lupus, other factors, such as high lipid levels, diabetes and certain medications, may also increase blood thickness, according to Everyday Health. People who smoke or who already have heart health issues, such as high cholesterol or blood clots, are also more likely to have thicker blood.
The same strategies used for general heart health also improve blood viscosity, according to Everyday Health. This includes quitting smoking, reducing dietary fat intake, exercising regularly, losing weight, and managing cholesterol and high blood pressure. Some patients may require the use of certain medications, such as blood thinners, to manage the thickness of their blood.Learn more about Blood
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of poor blood circulation, according to MD-Health.com. Other possible causes are venous thrombosis, insufficient exercise, tight-fitting clothing and stress.Full Answer >
According to the School of Nursing and Academic Division of Midwifery at the University of Nottingham, hydrostatic pressure is a type of pressure that is exerted by the blood onto the capillary walls in humans. As blood moves through the capillaries, the hydrostatic pressure drives the blood out of the capillary into the interstitial space.Full Answer >
Dark blood is deoxygenated blood, which means it arises because there is a lack of oxygen, according to the University of California, Santa Barbara. Blood is always red, but the shades vary according to the stages of the circulatory system.Full Answer >
Broken blood vessels can occur for a variety of reasons, such as sun damage, heredity, aging, eating hot or spicy foods, exercise, stress, hormones, alcohol use, cortisone medications, rare skin diseases and direct trauma to the skin. This condition is known as telangiectasias and is observed when the vessels under the skin dilate and become visible, according to leading dermatologists from DermApproved.Full Answer >