blood thickness causes - #15986
I am kinda worried because I noticed some strange stuff happening with my body lately. A couple of months ago, I started feeling constantly fatigued and my legs felt heavy, like they were just full of bricks or something. I got this weird tingling sensation too, especially in my fingers and toes. My doctor said I might have some blood thickness issues, and I couldn't help but wonder what the blood thickness causes could be. I did some tests, and they showed elevated levels of red blood cells. I'm trying to piece it all together, you know? I mean, could it be from my sedentary job? I sit at my desk for 8 hours and honestly, I don't drink enough water either – could that be one of the blood thickness causes? Or what about my diet? I’ve always loved red meat and processed foods, but that can't be good for me, right? I read somewhere that dehydration and certain medical conditions might play a role too. What I’m really trying to get at is, can you guys help me understand what blood thickness causes could lead to all these symptoms? It’s kinda frustrating feeling like this and not knowing what to do to fix it. Any insights would be super appreciated!
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Doctors' responses
Blood thickness, or increased blood viscosity, can indeed be tied to several factors, including the ones you mentioned. First off, elevated levels of red blood cells, which your tests indicated, can be a sign of a condition called polycythemia. This condition leads to thicker blood, making circulation more difficult and causing the fatigue and heavy feeling in your legs you’re describing. Dehydration is a crucial factor here, as it can increase blood viscosity due to the reduction in plasma volume, so getting enough water daily is really necessary. Sedentary lifestyle habits, like sitting long periods without movement, can also contribute, as muscle activity helps to circulate blood and prevent pooling in the extremities. Ensuring that you take regular breaks to move around and using ergonomic tools if needed could support circulation.
Diet also plays a substantial role. Consuming a lot of red meat and processed foods might lead to higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, contributing indirectly to thickened blood. Moreover, conditions such as sleep apnea, smoking, or chronic lung disease could lead to secondary polycythemia because your body may produce more red blood cells to compensate for reduced oxygen levels. Managing these underlying lifestyle factors—e.g., increasing fresh fruit and vegetable intake, staying hydrated, and incorporating physical activity—can help in managing symptoms. However, it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to rule out other potential issues like blood disorders, kidney problems, or heart concerns, and they might suggest treatments that include medications or lifestyle modifications. If symptoms suddenly worsen or if you experience chest pain, vision changes, or persistent swelling, you should seek medical attention to ensure that it isn’t an emergent issue.
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