Effect of Stress on Blood Vessels Research has shown that extended periods of anxiety can increase coagulation, which decreases the normal circulation of blood through the body and raises the risk of developing blot clots.
Blood pressure also tends to increase when you're stressed and when blood pressure is consistently high, it can narrow or weaken blood vessels. This makes it easier for blood clots to form or for vessels to leak or burst, triggering a stroke.
Stress-induced activation of the sympathoadrenal medullary system activates both the coagulation and fibrinolysis system resulting in net hypercoagulability.
Indeed, more literally than some of us would like. For it turns out that intense fear and panic attacks can really make our blood clot and increase the risk of thrombosis or heart attack. Earlier studies showed that stress and anxiety can influence coagulation.
Depression and antidepressant use are associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a life-threatening condition in which blood clots form in the veins of legs or lungs.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots
Sometimes a blood clot in the leg will feel like a pulled muscle, while one in your lung may feel like someone is sitting on your chest, preventing you from breathing. A great way to remember the signs of a blood clot is by using the acronym STOP (the) CLOT.
DON'T stand or sit in one spot for a long time. DON'T wear clothing that restricts blood flow in your legs. DON'T smoke. DON'T participate in contact sports when taking blood thinners because you're at risk of bleeding from trauma.
While many blood clots dissolve with the help of blood thinners, some dangerous clots require fast-acting clot-busting medications called thrombolytics. Because thrombolytics can cause severe bleeding, doctors usually give them only to people with large, severe clots that increase risk of pulmonary embolism.
It's also worth mentioning that the most common symptom after a blood clot is exhaustion and fatigue. So, be kind to yourself and rest when you need to. For the first couple of months, you might not feel like yourself; you might feel like resting is all you can do, and that's okay because that's part of this disease.
Protein C deficiency is a rare condition that can increase your risk of developing blood clots. Many people with protein C deficiency don't have symptoms and may not need treatment.
Recognizing the Signs of a Blood Clot
Abdomen: stomach discomfort, nausea or vomiting. Arm or leg: pain, swelling, tenderness and warmth that may occur gradually or suddenly.
Platelets (a type of blood cell) and proteins in your plasma (the liquid part of blood) work together to stop the bleeding by forming a clot over the injury. Typically, your body will naturally dissolve the blood clot after the injury has healed.
Venous thrombosis is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. About 10%–20% of patients develop a recurrence within 5 y [4]–[6], and up to 50% develop post-thrombotic syndrome within several months after the thrombotic event [7]. The mortality rate after venous thrombosis is about 20% within 1 y [2],[8].
DVT can occur suddenly (acute), leading to an urgent or emergency situation. Or it can be a chronic condition, with blood clots gradually causing circulation problems, usually in the lower body. Chronic blood clots can lead to venous insufficiency, when your body has difficulty returning blood to your heart.
What can you drink to dissolve blood clots? There are no specific drinks that can dissolve blood clots. However, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help prevent blood clots from forming in the first place.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration contributes to the development of sluggish blood flow and blood clots. NYU Langone doctors advise drinking 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses of water each day for optimal blood flow. It's especially important to do this when your mobility is limited for long periods, such as while traveling.
The Importance of Exercise if You Have DVT
Studies show that exercise also can improve symptoms of DVT, including swelling, discomfort, and redness. Physical activity can also make you feel more energized. If you have DVT, being active is especially important for your legs. That's where blood clots usually form.
The reason this walking regimen can help with DVT is that light exercise helps to improve circulation. As long as you don't overwork yourself, exercising with DVT can actually lessen the risk of health complications associated with the condition.
Following a DVT, your leg may be swollen, tender, red, or hot to the touch. These symptoms should improve over time, and exercise often helps. Walking and exercise are safe to do, but be sure to listen to your body to avoid overexertion.
It is important to start treatment right away for DVT. It takes about 3 to 6 months for a blood clot to go away.
Thompson says, “Blood clots usually present with a painful, swollen leg.” You may also experience tenderness, warmth, and a reddish discoloration. It may feel like you have a charley horse or cramp in your leg. If you have trouble breathing, it could mean that the blood clot has moved from your leg to your lungs.