You can't easily tell if your blood is thicker just by looking at it or feeling it. However, certain symptoms can indicate thicker blood, and specific blood tests can help diagnose if your blood is indeed thicker than normal.
Here's what you should know:
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Symptoms: Some signs that might suggest thick blood include:
- Blood clots of unknown origin: This could be a sign of a hypercoagulable state, where your blood is more prone to clotting.
- Repeated blood clots for no known reason: This is another indicator of a potential blood clotting issue.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart attack symptoms: These can occur if thick blood restricts blood flow to the heart.
- Headache: This can be a symptom of thick blood, especially if it is accompanied by dizziness.
- Slurred speech or vision problems: These may be signs of a stroke, which can be caused by thick blood blocking blood flow to the brain.
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Blood Tests: To determine if your blood is thicker than normal, your doctor will likely order several blood tests, including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. An abnormally high number of red blood cells can indicate thick blood.
- Coagulation Tests: These tests measure how quickly your blood clots and how long it takes for the clotting process to complete.
- Fibrinogen Levels: This test measures the amount of fibrinogen, a protein involved in blood clotting, present in your blood plasma.
It is important to note that if you experience any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. A medical professional can perform the necessary tests and determine the cause of your symptoms.
