blood clots

Posted on Rheumatoid arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis appear to be at increased risk for blood clots

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A study that included more than 45,000 residents of Sweden with rheumatoid arthritis finds that individuals with this disease had an associated higher risk of venous thromboembolism (a blood clot that forms within a vein), and that this elevated risk was stable for 10 years after the time of diagnosis, according to a study in the October 3 issue of JAMA.

“Recent reports suggest that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), particularly in conjunction with hospitalization. Using hospitalization data to identify RA and VTE may identify patients when they are at elevated risk for other reasons, obscuring the incompletely understood underlying association between RA and VTE and leading to inappropriate institution or timing of interventions,” according to background information in the article.

Marie E. Holmqvist, M.D., Ph.D., of the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden and colleagues conducted a study to assess the overall occurrence and relative risks of VTE in patients with RA in relation to RA onset and disease duration as well as in conjunction with hospitalization. The study included a prevalent RA group (n = 37,856), an incident RA group (n = 7,904), and matched general population comparison groups, all from Sweden, with follow-up from 1997 through 2010.

Of the patients with prevalent RA and the matched individuals in the general population comparison cohort, 838 patients (2.2 percent) and 1,866 matched individuals (1.1 percent) had a VTE event after the index date, with analysis of the data indicating that patients with prevalent RA were at greater risk of VTE than the general population. There was no statistically significant association between a history of VTE and RA by the time of RA symptom onset. Counting from RA diagnosis, an increased rate in the RA cohort vs. the comparison cohort was detected within the first year and did not increase further during the first decade. The researchers also found that although rates for VTE following hospitalization were higher, the 1-year rate of VTE was not higher in the RA cohort than in the comparison cohort after hospital discharge. The rates of VTE increased with age but were largely similar across sex and rheumatoid factor status.

“The results of this study suggest that patients with RA are at increased risk of VTE (both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and that the risk of VTE increases shortly after RA diagnosis and remains similarly elevated during the first decade,” the authors write.

“Hospitalization is a strong risk factor for VTE in the general population and in patients with RA, but the short-term (<1 year after hospital discharge) rates for VTE are similar in both groups. VTE rates varied with age, less so with sex, calendar period of RA diagnosis, and rheumatoid factor status, but the relative risks of VTE were largely similar across these patient subgroups.”

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Blood clots – find out the signs and symptoms of blot clots!




Blood clots

Blood clots

Introduction

Every year, thousands of people in the UK develop a blood clot in a vein. It’s known as venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is a serious, potentially fatal, medical condition.




VTE is the collective name for:

deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot in in one of the deep veins in the body, usually in one of the legs

pulmonary embolism – a blood clot in the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs

Although serious, most blood clots can be completely avoided. The key is to be aware if you’re at risk and take some simple preventative steps.

This article is about blood clots in veins. If you want information on blood clots in arteries, which is a common cause of heart attack and stroke, see the topic on arterial thrombosis.

Who gets blood clots?

Anyone can get a blood clot, but you’re more at risk if you can’t move around much or if you’re unwell.

You’ve probably heard of blood clots linked to long-haul plane journeys or the contraceptive pill, but most blood clots actually develop during or just after a stay in hospital.

Your risk is also increased if you:

are over 60 years old

are overweight or obese

have had a blood clot before

are having hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

are pregnant or have recently given birth

are dehydrated

have cancer or are having cancer treatment

have a condition that causes your blood to clot more easily than normal, such as antiphospholipid syndrome

The rest of this topic will focus on blood clots linked with admission to hospital.

Hospital-acquired blood clots

In 2005, a House of Commons Health Committee report stated that every year in England an estimated 25,000 deaths occur as a result of hospital-acquired VTE.

The report also stated that the estimated number of deaths due to VTE, “is more than the combined total of deaths from breast cancer, AIDS and traffic accidents, and more than 25 times the number who die from MRSA“.

The government recognises that deaths from hospital blood clots are preventable and has recommended that all patients admitted to hospital should be assessed for their risk of developing blood clots, and measures to reduce this risk should be taken when appropriate.

Assessing your risk of blood clots

When you arrive at hospital, you should be checked for your risk of blood clots. Hospital staff will record your age and weight and ask you about your general health. The assessment will also take into account the reason for your hospital stay.




Your risk of clots is likely to be higher, for instance, if you’re having a major operation, if you’re going to be confined to bed for long periods, or if you have any of the other “risk factors” mentioned above.

If the assessment shows that you’re at risk of a blood clot, you should be offered preventative treatment. The options include blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) and compression stockings or foot pumps to keep your blood circulating and help prevent any clots forming.

Hospital staff should check whether bleeding might be a problem before offering medication to help prevent clots.

If you’ve been admitted to hospital and you haven’t had your blood clot risk checked, it’s important that you ask a doctor or nurse. Equally, if you’ve been told you’re at risk of clots and have been given medicine, stockings or other devices, it’s important that you understand how to use them properly.

Don’t be afraid to ask hospital staff about reducing your risk of blood clots – it could save your life.

Questions you might like to ask your healthcare team about blood clots are:

am I at risk of blood clots?

how likely am I to have bleeding problems?

what happens if I have problems with a medication or treatment I am having to help prevent clots?

Reducing your risk of blood clots

There are things you and the medical professionals looking after you can do before, during and after your hospital stay to minimise your risk of developing a blood clot.

Before coming into hospital

You can help yourself before coming into hospital by:

trying to lose any excess weight

keeping as mobile as you can

talking to your doctor if you take HRT or the combined contraceptive pill – you may need to stop them a few weeks before your operation

While in hospital

While you’re in hospital, you will reduce your chances of a blood clot if you:

drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated

wear your compression stockings day and night (except when you’re washing)

wear any other compression devices you’ve been given

take any blood-thinning medicines you’ve been offered

get up and move around as soon as you’re advised to

After leaving hospital

You’re still at risk of developing a blood clot in the days and weeks after leaving hospital, so you might be advised to continue preventative measures for a short period. Your care team will discuss this with you before you are discharged.

You may be given compression stockings to wear until you are fully mobile, and you may need to keep using anticoagulants for several weeks. You should also take care to stay as mobile as possible and keep yourself well hydrated.

How to tell if you have a blood clot

Before leaving hospital, you should be told about anything you need to look out for that could suggest you’ve developed a blood clot.

Symptoms of a blood clot can include:

cramping pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in one of your legs – these are symptoms of DVT

breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or coughing up blood – these are symptoms of a pulmonary embolism

If you develop symptoms of a blood clot, see your GP or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible.

Blood clots can be treated if they’re spotted in time. Read more about treating blood clots.

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Antiphospholipid syndrome – what are the symptoms of APS?




 

Antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome

In antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the immune system produces abnormal antibodies that make the blood ‘stickier’ than normal.




This means people with APS are more likely to develop blood clots in their veins and arteries, which can cause serious or life-threatening health problems such as:

high blood pressure

deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or ‘mini-stroke’

heart attacks

pulmonary embolism – a blockage in one of the blood vessels in the lungs

People with APS may also experience any of the following symptoms:

balance and mobility problems

vision problems, such as double vision

speech and memory problems

a tingling sensation or pins and needles in your arms or legs

fatigue (extreme tiredness)

repeated headaches or migraines

Pregnancy problems

Women with APS have a much higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy, particularly if it’s not treated. Possible complications include:

recurrent (three or more) early miscarriages, usually during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy

one or more later miscarriages, usually after week 10 of pregnancy

premature birth, usually at or before week 34 of pregnancy, which may be caused by pre-eclampsia (where a woman develops high blood pressure during pregnancy)

Livedo reticularis

Livedo reticularis is a skin condition caused by small blood clots that develop inside the blood vessels of the skin.




It causes the skin to take on a blotchy red or blue appearance. Some people also develop ulcers (sores) and nodules (bumps). These symptoms are often more severe in cold weather.

Superficial thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis is inflammation of the veins just under your skin, usually in your leg. The symptoms are similar to DVT but they’re not usually as severe.

The symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis include:

swelling

redness and tenderness along the affected vein

a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above (although this is less common)

The symptoms usually resolve within two to six weeks.

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7 Superfoods That Improve Heart Health – a guest post by Meighan Sembrano


Superfoods have been around throughout the history, but it was only recently when scientists

Superfoods

Superfoods

realized their true power and beneficial effects on our health. They have the ability to improve our brain power, prevent cancer, and boost our heart health. In this article, we will discuss heart-healthy superfoods that you should introduce into your everyday menu.

  • Blueberries

Blueberries and berries, in general, belong to the group of the healthiest foods you can eat. Blueberries are both extremely delicious and rich in antioxidants that reduce the buildup of LDL (bad) cholesterol in artery walls. Otherwise, LDL cholesterol would keep building up and cause various cardiovascular diseases. The reason blueberries are included in first place of our list is because, studies that were conducted at the USDA Human Nutrition Center revealed that blueberries rank as #1 in best antioxidant activity when compared to other fresh fruits and vegetables.

Also, the recent study revealed that women who ate more than three servings of blueberries per week had a 32% lower risk of getting the heart attack. It is recommended to eat one cup of blueberries a day.

  • Beans

Beans are one of the most underrated superfoods. However, black, kidney, and pinto beans have a high level of soluble fibers that are beneficial for our heart health. Also, beans aid in lowering high cholesterol levels and they don’t contain saturated fats. After all, high cholesterol is the leading cause of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, another great benefit of beans for your heart health is the face it acts as an appetite suppressor. When you eat beans you feel full for a longer period, you don’t eat as much and manage to maintain your weight. Gaining weight and even obesity are a great threat to your heart health.

  • Spinach

Spinach and other green leafy vegetables are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect your body from cardiovascular diseases. Most people don’t know that spinach is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids too, which is another reason you should include it into your diet after all Popeye ate all that spinach for nothing. Moreover, Spinach is rich in folate that helps reduce the blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. High level of this amino acid is an emerging risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease.

  • Salmon
Meighan Sembrano

Meighan Sembrano

When we’re talking about heart health, it is impossible to leave out glorious salmon. This fish is the best source of Omega 3 fatty acids that are essential for our body. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases by lowering levels of triglycerides (blood fats that are associated with diabetes and heart diseases). Additionally, some researchers showed that Omega 3 fatty acids prevent blood clots by making preventing platelets clump together and stick to artery walls.

American Heart Association recommends eating two 3 to 6 or servings of salmon at least two times a week.

Video: Also Watch: Benefits of omega 3 fatty acids.

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  • Dark chocolate

This is great news for all chocoholics out there. Naturally, this doesn’t mean you should buy a regular chocolate bar you eat every day. Instead, you should opt for a dark alternative. Various studies showed that dark chocolate can, indeed, benefit our heart health due to its flavonoids that reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. British Medical Journal published findings of the study that showed that consumption of dark chocolate reduces heart attack (and even stroke) for people that are high at risk of getting cardiovascular disease.

Dark chocolate is defined as chocolate that contains at least 60 to 70% of cocoa. It is recommended to eat a square or two a day.

  • Nuts

Walnuts, pecans, cashews and other nuts are good sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. Also, nuts prevent dangerous heart rhythms, reduce the risk of blood clots, lower LDL cholesterol in the blood and prevent various cardiovascular diseases. To improve your heart health and avoid gaining weight in the abdominal area, you should an ounce of nuts a day as a replacement to usual sugary snacks.

  • Oatmeal

A half-cup of oatmeal a day contains about 130 calories while providing our body with 5 grams of heart-healthy fiber that lowers cholesterol and keeps our maintains our healthy body weight. Also, oatmeal makes you feel full which means you won’t be tempted to eat unhealthy foods or snacks. Moreover, oatmeal and whole grains lower the risk of diabetes that is, actually, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It’s important to eat whole grains, instead of refined ones if you want to get all these healthy benefits from the food.

Conclusion

With the introduction of superfoods from this article into your diet, you will lower the risk of getting various cardiovascular diseases. The best thing of all, these foods are just as delicious as they are healthy.

References

 

 

 

 

Author bio:

 

Meighan Sembrano is an author at Consumer Health Digest. She has a keen interest in writing. She has contributed many beauty related articles in many popular websites. She has done her Mass Communication degree. She now lives in Washington DC. She is a social worker who spends her free time searching about life, healthy, beauty and lifestyle fitness related articles. She is fond of travelling and trekking. To know more about her, follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Leave a comment Posted on Cardiovascular disease

Over 45s putting health at risk by ignoring heart health


• New research released today sees 70% of people aged 45 and over say they are not worried

Over 45s putting health at risk by ignoring heart health

Over 45s putting health at risk by ignoring heart health

about their heart health, despite the fact that over 2.3 million people are thought to be living with some form of coronary heart disease in the UK
• Almost half did not know heart disease is the biggest health-related cause of death in the UK, despite the fact that 152,436 people die of the disease every year, an average of 417 people per day
• Around one in seven in that age group admit they have never done anything to try and actively improve their heart health – however, if the two main causes of heart disease are unhealthy blood and high cholesterol a simple lifestyle change can make a big difference to help prevent such diseases and strokes occurring.

Millions of people aged 45 and over could be seriously jeopardising their health because of a lack of concern over the state of their hearts. That’s the warning coming today, after new research shows that 70% of people aged 45 – the age group most at risk – and over are not concerned about their heart health at all.


Whilst an estimated 2.3 million people in the UK are living with a condition of coronary heart disease, the research shows that the majority of the population do not regard it as being a life threatening concern. Even the over 45’s, those at the greatest risk from heart problems, are only slightly more concerned than those under 45, with only 27% in that age group, worried!

Furthermore, around one in seven 45 and overs don’t do anything to actively improve their heart health – only slightly less than 26% under 45s who admitted the same.

Across all age groups, over half (51%) were not aware that heart disease is the biggest health-related cause of death in the UK.

152,436 people have died in the UK over the last year from heart disease, an average of 417 people per day. If this rate continues over the next 20 years over 3 million people will be at risk.

The survey also questioned people as to what lifestyle changes they have made to help improve their heart health.

Less than half of all British adults say they exercise more, 39% have cut down on their intake of saturated fats, and 37% have cut down on their salt intake.

The study also showed a lack of awareness around what can lead to a heart attack, with almost a third not realising that blood clots can be a contributor.