What determines the thickness of blood?

Thick blood is caused by heavy proteins, or by too much blood in the circulation. Too many red cells, white cells, and platelets will result in blood thickening.

How is blood thickness treated?

Two main types of medication thin the blood:

1. Anticoagulants: These include heparin and warfarin, and they work to lengthen the time it takes to form a clot.
2. Antiplatelet drugs: Aspirin is one example and can thin the blood and prevent platelets from forming a clot.

Is there a test to see how thin your blood is?

Diagnosis. A doctor can diagnose thin blood by looking at platelet numbers in a complete blood count or CBC. When talking with a doctor, it is essential for a person to tell them about any medications or supplements that might be causing thin blood. These include over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin.

What does it mean when your bloods thick?

Summary. Having thick blood (hypercoagulability) means that you are prone to excessive clotting or clotting when you are not bleeding. It can lead to dangerous blood clots that can result in a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening problems.

Can you do INR testing at home?

In-home testing is convenient. It allows patients to test their INR levels without the need for frequent visits to a lab. In-home testing only requires a finger stick, instead of a full blood sample. In-home testing may lead to fewer blood clots.

Can thick blood make you tired?

Thick blood can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage. Symptoms include lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and bruising.

How do you stop blood from thickening?

Preventing Blood Clots

1. Wear loose-fitting clothes, socks, or stockings.
2. Raise your legs 6 inches above your heart from time to time.
3. Wear special stockings (called compression stockings) if your doctor prescribes them.
4. Do exercises your doctor gives you.
5. Change your position often, especially during a long trip.

Do bananas thin your blood?

Packed with potassium, bananas can help improve blood flow by lowering blood pressure. Too much sodium in your diet can cause high blood pressure, but potassium helps the kidneys remove extra sodium from your body, which then passes through your urine. This helps relax blood vessels and enable blood flow.