Hypercoaguability 24 August 2009
Balance is required in all forms of life. No more so with the body’s coagulation system. Excessive coagulation results in blood clots and poor blood and oxygen supply to tissues. Not enough coagulation results in inappropriate bleeding.
Autoimmune diseases are a common cause of a hypercoagulable state. The blood becomes thick due to an increased amount of a blood clotting protein called fibrinogen. It’s like pumping porridge through ever narrowing water pipes. Eventually flow stops and there is a decreased flow of blood to vital areas. Exercise will of course make symptoms worse as the requirements for blood and oxygen increase. Muscle aches, fatigue, weakness and heart pains are common symptoms.
Hypercoagulable states are very common, especially in disorders such as thyroid disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. 25% of the population has an inherited tendency to a coagulation disorder. Other triggers include allergens, chronic bacterial infections, environmental toxins, candida, heavy metals, parasites, trauma, vaccinations and viral infections.
In chronic infections, the body protects itself from the organism by activating the coagulation system and depriving the organism of a blood supply. Unfortunately, this also prevents the immune system from eliminating the infection.
Chronic low grade inflammation of the arterial system can result in a hypercoagulable state and increase the risk of heart attacks. Hence the frequent use of aspirin which thins the blood as a preventative agent in heart disease.
My programme for the treatment and prevention of hypercoagulable states includes:
Ensuring adequate water intake.
- Detoxifying the body of heavy metals
- Eliminating any chronic infections. Root canals are a common source of chronic infection which must be addressed.
- Wobenzym. In my opinion, anyone over the age of 40 (except if a tendency to increased bleeding is present) should take wobenzym to reduce inflammation and coaguability. For more information, see Wobenzym.
- Balancing of hormones with bioidentical hormones. Testosterone is particularly effective if measured levels are low.