【Health and Wellness】Blood Vessels are Blocked Even Though They're Supposed to be Healthy? After reading this, make sure to stay away from the risk of blood clot formation!

Today, let's discuss the topic of vascular health.

The state of our blood vessels is a symbol of longevity. Our blood vessels are like wide streets spread throughout the body, and when there is traffic congestion or accidents, it can lead to massive traffic paralysis. Our blood vessels are no exception.

Which diseases can be caused by vascular blockage?

The blood vessels in our body are widespread, and when these vessels are blocked, it can lead to various diseases.

Cerebrovascular blockage - Stroke

Patients may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, facial and eye drooping, hemiplegia, and aphasia. Mild cases may have no noticeable symptoms, while severe cases can lead to coma and life-threatening situations.

Cardiovascular blockage - Heart attack

Severe and prolonged pain behind the sternum, which is difficult to completely relieve even with the use of nitrate drugs and rest. It can lead to serious complications such as arrhythmia, shock, or heart failure, and even be life-threatening.

Lower limb deep vein thrombosis, leading to blockage of leg blood vessels

Typical symptoms include sudden swelling in one limb, which may worsen on one side on top of bilateral edema, accompanied by pain and limited movement. The mechanism is mainly related to intravascular coagulation and is a rare and severe complication that often accompanies hemodynamic changes and can even be life-threatening. It is common in patients after childbirth, surgery, severe trauma, tumors, or prolonged bed rest. The mechanism of occurrence is due to local hemodynamic changes leading to poor blood coagulation. Such thrombi have the risk of detachment, and once detached, can form embolisms in other parts of the body, such as pulmonary embolism or cerebral embolism.

Pulmonary vascular blockage - Pulmonary embolism

Suddenly experiencing unexplained collapse, pale complexion, cold sweats, difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and other symptoms, accompanied by signs of cerebral hypoxia such as extreme anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, nausea, seizures, and coma. In severe cases, it can lead to shock and even death.

Why are blood vessels seemingly obstructed?

The fundamental cause of vascular blockage is the formation of blood clots, which is a common problem. Blood clots, also known as thrombi, are clots formed in the lumen of blood vessels (arteries or veins) or at repair sites due to poor blood flow.

1

How does the process of thrombus formation occur?

In our circulatory system, there are two opposing systems - one responsible for blood clotting and the other for anticoagulation. Their functions are coordinated. Once one of the systems encounters issues, the balance is disrupted. Therefore, thrombus formation is a very important and complex process. So, what conditions may disrupt this balance?

The primary issue lies in the blood vessels. The formation of blood clots is influenced by various factors, including but not limited to hypertension, hyperglycemia, viruses, bacteria, tumors, immune complexes, which can cause damage to the endothelial cells of blood vessels.

Next, let's discuss the issue of blood flow velocity. In some diseases, blood flow velocity slows down, and the blood flow volume within the blood vessels decreases. When the blood flow velocity slows down, blood flow is obstructed, increasing the risk of thrombus formation. Prolonged bed rest, compression of veins, or heart failure can all lead to a decrease in blood flow velocity.

The final issue involves the composition of blood components. Under normal circumstances, blood does not clot in the body. However, in situations such as pregnancy, post-surgery, postpartum, high-fat diets, smoking, coronary atherosclerosis, the number of platelets may increase, leading to blood clot formation.

2

If a thrombus forms, what symptoms may occur?

Thrombi are often referred to as "invisible bombs" because 99% of thrombi have no symptoms or sensations. Some patients even go to cardiovascular departments in hospitals for routine examinations, and the results show that their blood lipids, blood pressure, electrocardiograms, and other indicators are within normal ranges. However, they may suddenly be affected by a thrombus without any intention or recognition of cardiovascular health problems.

3

To prevent thrombus formation, what measures should we take?

Given the hidden and hard-to-detect nature of thrombi, prevention is the most effective response. Among them, the most effective and targeted method is surgical intervention - surgical treatment. In terms of prevention, we must remember one crucial element: "take action"!

Not engaging in continuous physical exercise for at least 4 hours significantly increases the risk of venous thrombosis, as warned by the World Health Organization. This is because blood flow is slower in the arterial system, making it easier for clots to form and lead to thrombotic embolism. Therefore, the most effective measure for the prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis is movement.

Especially for those who are accustomed to sitting for long periods of time, it is important to regularly get up and walk, stretch your arms and legs, and move your joints to maintain flexibility and good health.

The importance of maintaining physical activity is self-evident. For example, walking helps maintain aerobic metabolism, enhance cardiorespiratory function, promote overall blood circulation, prevent the accumulation of blood lipids on blood vessel walls, and prevent thrombus formation. Running is also a good exercise that not only strengthens the body but also helps with weight loss and fat reduction, making it necessary for many people. As for exercise intensity, it can be determined based on your actual situation. Generally, exercise three to five times a week, with each session lasting around 30 to 40 minutes.

In addition to engaging in physical exercise, to maintain vascular health, pay attention to the following:

Limit your diet, restricting high-sugar, high-oil, high-fat, and high-salt intake.

Have a deep understanding of various body indicators, effectively control blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar, and body weight to keep them within normal ranges.

Get enough sleep, stay away from smoking and alcohol.

What measures should we take if blood vessels become blocked?

1. Medications with lipid-lowering, blood sugar-lowering, blood pressure-lowering, or anticoagulant effects should be used.

This method is usually applicable to patients with risk factors but not severe vascular conditions. The main purpose is to control the patient's blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, and other risk factors, stabilize vascular plaques, avoid their detachment and thrombus formation, thus preventing the deterioration of the condition.

2. Use medication to dissolve blood clots through embolization treatment.

This method is suitable for patients with myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, lower limb venous thrombosis, etc. It mainly uses intravenous infusion of drugs to dissolve blood clots, unblock blood vessels, and restore blood circulation.

3. Stents, thrombectomy, bypass surgery, etc.

For patients with severe thrombotic blockage, medications alone are not enough to completely eliminate the thrombus. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery is needed to remove the embolus and install stents to support the blood vessels, ensuring smooth blood flow. Alternatively, bridging can be used, which involves replacing the blocked blood vessel with another segment of blood vessel, allowing blood to bypass the blocked section and restore circulation.

Please note that each person's situation and severity may vary, so it is necessary to select a specific treatment plan based on the diagnosis and assessment by a doctor. Do not rely on unverified treatment methods.