Protecting blood vessels and preventing blood clots are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. If a myocardial infarction or stroke occurs, the risk of sudden death is very high. By maintaining healthy living habits and paying attention to the body’s warning signals, you can prevent blood clots early and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and sudden death.
These people are prone to blood clots
Many people believe that blood clots only affect older people, but in fact, some young people may also be at high risk of blood clots. The following people are at high risk of developing blood clots:
- People who sit for long periods: Those who experience deteriorated blood circulation, which becomes viscous, are at increased risk of thrombosis. To promote blood circulation, it is recommended that people get up and move around for five minutes every hour of sitting.
- Obese people: The risk of deep vein thrombosis is 2.5 times higher than that of non-obese people.
- The three highs: People with high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood sugar will experience problems with the structure and function of blood vessel walls and platelets, which increases the risk of thrombosis.
- Smokers: Harmful substances in cigarettes can damage the inner walls of blood vessels, making blood more likely to clot.
Three major warning signs of blood clots
The formation of blood clots is not without signs. The body will send warnings to remind us whether the blood flow is smooth. When the following situations occur, please be alert:
1. Temporary blurred vision
This situation is particularly prone to occur in people over 65 years old. They usually have normal vision, but occasionally, they suddenly lose their ability to see clearly. This may be because the blood becomes thicker and cannot supply enough oxygen and nutrients to the retina and optic nerve.
2. Purple lips and tongue
It is a sign of poor blood circulation and viscosity, a condition that Chinese medicine calls “blood stasis.”
3. Squatting makes you breathless
When a blood clot affects blood flow, the human body experiences symptoms such as wheezing and chest tightness, especially in obese individuals. If they have difficulty breathing after squatting, they should pay special attention.
Once these symptoms are detected, you should go to the hospital for an examination as soon as possible to prevent the blood clot from worsening and causing serious cardiovascular problems.
Three kinds of food protect blood vessels
After the age of 50, people can start a diet to prevent vascular aging and reduce blood viscosity. The following three foods can help improve vascular health:
1. Onions
Onions are rich in flavonoids such as quercetin and sulfur-containing compounds, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipid, and anti-platelet activity properties and benefit cardiovascular health. It’s recommended to stir-fry onions in oil. Quercetin and other substances are fat-soluble and more easily absorbed by the human body when accompanied by oil.
2. Tomatoes
The yellow jelly around tomato seeds can inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots. Eating raw tomatoes has the best anti-thrombotic effect, while cooked tomatoes can release more lycopene, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. Black fungus
Black fungus is rich in polysaccharides. It also has antioxidant activity, lipid-lowering properties, and medicinal value in preventing heart disease. Black fungus and red dates are recommended for cooking a delicious sweet soup that promotes blood circulation and enhances cardiovascular health.
Thrombosis affects multiple organs
Once a blood clot blocks the blood vessels of an organ, that organ will be damaged.
- Brain: This may cause a cerebral stroke.
- Heart: This may cause myocardial infarction.
- Lungs: May cause pulmonary embolism.
- Liver: May form hepatic hemangioma.
Heart disease rates typically surge in the winter. Also, late night and early morning are the peak times for sudden death and are related to daily activities. Therefore, taking preventive measures during these special periods can prevent sudden death.
When you wake up (2 a.m. to 4 a.m.)
When you wake up at night or in the early morning, your blood vessels constrict due to the cold, increasing your cardiovascular risk. You should wear a coat before getting up, let your body adapt to the temperature, and then get up slowly.
Brushing your teeth and washing your face
Washing your face suddenly with cold water in the early morning may stimulate drastic contraction of blood vessels and induce cardiovascular problems. Washing your face with warm water is recommended to reduce the risk of irritating your blood vessels.
After you take a bath
After taking a bath, the body is moist and warm. Cold air can easily enter the body if you are suddenly exposed to it. Drying off immediately after bathing and wearing warm clothes is recommended to prevent cold catching.
Symptoms of myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction comes suddenly, but there are usually some warning signs before it happens. Don’t ignore them:
- Severe chest tightness and pain: If it lasts more than 5 minutes, the blood vessels are severely blocked, and you must seek medical attention immediately.
- Unexplained stomach pain: Some patients will experience symptoms similar to stomach pain a few weeks before the onset of the disease.
- Back pain and shoulder pain: Myocardial infarction may cause unexplained shoulder or back pain.
- Numbness and soreness in the arms: Poor blood flow may cause numbness and weakness.
- Long-term chest tightness: Call emergency services immediately if it persists for 15-20 minutes without relief.
Remember these warning signs from your body and take early prevention measures to help protect your health and that of your family.
Translated by Patty Zhang
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