British Heart Foundation: Understanding blood clots
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Blood clotting mechanisms are critical for preventing the loss of blood, but sometimes their formation is unwarranted. Occasionally clots form inside the lower limbs due to injury or stagnated blood flow. Some health bodies believe that sitting in a curved position may increase this risk by constricting the blood vessels.
It is well-established that sitting for prolonged periods can lead to the development of deep vein thrombosis.
In fact, the act of sitting for prolonged periods may double the likelihood of a clot travelling to the lungs, studies suggest.
Much of the risk with these types of sedentary behaviour is due to reduced blood flow when the body isn’t moving around.
Adopting bad posture while sitting may make matters worse, however.
Poor posture describes a body position that is asymmetrical or non-neutral, generally resulting in a large curve in the lower back.
The Highest Health Chiropractic explains: “Poor posture is likely to cause issues with the spinal alignment.
“This will in turn lead to blood vessel constriction which affects the supply of nutrients and oxygen in the blood.
“The result is vein thrombosis and blood clots. This leaves you exposed and at risk of getting cardiovascular diseases.
“You can avoid such a predicament by making sure you always have an upright posture.
“You should also make sure you’re seeking medical treatment for spinal misalignment.”
Aside from keeping an upright position while sitting, experts recommend flexing the calves and ankles at frequent intervals.
This can improve blood flow to the calves, which helps pump blood from the legs to the heart and prevent blood from stagnating.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that you stand, stretch and move around every two to three hours if possible to prevent blood clots from forming.
What are the signs of blood clot?
According to the medical journal Nature, the majority of blood clots that form in the lower limbs are small and do not cause symptoms.
What’s more, the body is able to break these down without causing any long-term adverse effects the body.
The larger blood clots may prove more problematic, however, they can partially or totally blood flow.
This may cause:
- Swelling of the calf
- Pain and tenderness in one of your legs
- Heavy aching in the affected area
- Warm skin in the area of the clot.
If these symptoms are ignored, a blood clot risks breaking away and entering the bloodstream.
When a blood clot reaches the lungs, it could prevent oxygen from reaching other organs and prove fatal.
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