The Warning Signs of the Blood Clot that You Shouldn't Ignore
A blood clot is a gel-like collection of blood that may change its state from liquid to semi-solid form. When the cholesterol plaque ruptures, blood clots can form and block blood flow. Over time, the accumulation may cause blockage in the blood vessels. This becomes particularly dangerous if it occurs near the important parts of the body. A heart attack is triggered when a blockage occurs in the heart, while a stroke results when the obstruction is in the brain. Blockage in the leg veins may lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
According to a statistic, 100,000 to 300,000 people die of blood clots every year, which is greater than the total number of people who die from AIDS, breast cancer, and motor vehicle crashes combined each year. Blood clot is now one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It may happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. Nonetheless, public awareness about life-threatening blood clots is still very low. Even the medical professionals might sometime fail to catch the issue in time to administer proper care.
While, the good news is, it is often preventable. Below are the 6 warning signs that you have a blood clot in your body!
6 warning signs of a blood clot
1. Swelling and pain in the legs
If there is swelling in one leg that occurs suddenly or more dramatically than usual, or when there is a heaviness when walking or standing, it could signal a lower extremity venous thrombosis. At this point, ones should avoid walking around randomly to prevent the thrombus from falling off and risk blocking the cardiovascular or cerebrovascular vessels.
2. Slurred speech, drooling
With high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and diabetes, it is important to look out for signs of slurred speech, drooling, or even dropping chopsticks while eating. It may be a phenomenon of cerebrovascular embolism.
3. Chest pain or tightness
A blood clot in an artery around the heart can lead to a heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction. About 30-40% of patients with a heart attack will have symptoms such as palpitation, chest pain, and weakness within 3-7 days before the onset. However, only almost 30% of them seek medical attention consciously. So please take caution that if there is such a phenomenon, especially those middle-aged and elderly people should seek medical treatment immediately if they have chest tightness and pain.
4. Shortness of breath, dizziness, or an unexplained cough
These are also symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lung, blocking oxygen flow. Sudden dyspnea after inactive or immobile for long periods of time may be relieved by deep breathing, and significantly worsened by daily or light activity. If PEs are left untreated, it may be leading to heart or lung damage and even death.
5. Weak hands and feet
This may be recognized by a sudden feeling of weakness in hands and feet, inability to lift one leg, unstable gait when walking, falling down when walking, paralysis of just one side of the body, and even numbness or tingle of tongue and lips.
6. Sudden dizziness, blurred vision
When the blood supply is cut off, the blockage damages the retina, and resulting in sudden dizziness, blurred vision, and even blindness for a few seconds! This situation may return to normal within tens of seconds, therefore it can be easily mistaken for anemia by the public.
How to dissolve blood clots?
Since we have recognized the signs and symptoms of a blood clot, now the question is, how can we get rid of it?
Nattokinase is a natural enzyme extracted from a well-known traditional Japanese food called natto, a fermented soybean. Natto has been utilized as a folk remedy for heart and circulatory diseases for over 1000 years. This may be the reason that Japan has one of the lowest rates of coronary heart disease in the world. (Report: UN Chronicle: The Atlas of Heart Disease & Stroke)
You might be wondering, how does nattokinase work on a blood clot?
In a human clinical trial, healthy young men (22.3 ± 0.6 years old) received either a single dose of 2,000 FU Nattokinase NSK-SD® or placebo. Their blood samples were then collected and analyzed. As a result, Nattokinase NSK-SD® enhances fibrinolysis (breaking down of blood clots) and anticoagulation. (Kurosawa et al., 2015)
To put it simply, fibrin is a main component of the clot. Therefore, the strong fibrinolytic activity of Nattokinase NSK-SD® allows it to dissolve web-like fibrin and break down the existing blood clots. This might protect against the conditions caused by blood clots such as heart attack, stroke, and others.
Despite the high nutritional value of natto, however, excessive intake of it will still lead to health problems as it also contains high calories, vitamin K2 and purine. A high purine diet may cause excessive uric acid and gout problems. Therefore, nattokinase that has much lower calories and is free of vitamins K2 and purine will be a better option.
You may like to consider:
LABO Nutrition VesseCLEAR EX
LABO Nutrition VesseCLEAR EX is developed by Japan Bio Science Laboratory, the leader and pioneer in Nattokinase. It is formulated with the No.1 most researched Nattokinase NSK-SD® and Elastin F. Nattokinase NSK-SD® is extracted from non-GMO soybeans which were fermented with Bacillus subtilis natto via a patented proprietary process. It is backed by more than 35 studies and recognized by JHFA (Japan Health and Nutrition Food Association) and JNKA (Japan NattoKinase Association) as authentic nattokinase. It is 100% natural, with high safety, purity, stability and bioavailability. On the other hand, Elastin F is a readily absorbable elastin peptide extracted from bonito fish via a proprietary enzymatic technology from Japan. It supports elastic and flexible arteries and also helps in maintaining a relatively constant pressure. VesseCLEAR EX is natural and safe with no preservatives, artificial coloring, or flavoring, and it’s free of vitamin K2, purine, and natto pungent smell. What’s more, 1 bottle gives 30 capsules, which also translates to one month’s supply.
LABO Nutrition VesseCLEAR CX
LABO Nutrition VesseCLEAR CX is a multi-benefit vegan formula developed with functional dosage of world-best nattokinase NSK-SD40® and gamma oryzanol ORYZA GAMMAX®, it is designed to help adults aged 40+ and those with compromised cardiovascular system. Nattokinase NSK-SD40® can help to dissolve the web-like fibrin to disintegrate clots formed in the blood vessels, improves blood circulation and regulate blood pressure. In addition, gamma oryzanol ORYZA GAMMAX® in VesseCLEAR CX helps normalize high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is also beneficial in alleviating neuropathy; help lighten skin tone and alleviate various challenges that come with ageing. These two proprietary ingredients work synergistically to support healthy blood flow, blood pressure and overall wellness. VesseCLEAR CX is natural and safe with no preservatives, artificial coloring, or flavoring. It’s free of vitamin K2, purine, and natto pungent smell. What’s more, 1 bottle gives 60 capsules, which also translates to one month’s supply.