What markers define healthy blood function? Key strategies include regulating dietary iron, monitoring hematological counts, and identifying symptoms of vascular clots like DVT.
Platelets are small cell fragments found in your blood that are responsible for helping blood clot. They release chemicals that signal for blood to clot, as well as stick together to form a plug to stop bleeding. Normal platelet counts generally range from 150,000 to 400,000 per milliliter, or mL, of blood.
Read more →
The calf is a common site for both muscle cramps and blood clots. Despite their propensity to affect the calf, blood clots and muscle cramps share little else in common. Calf cramps and blood clots differ with respect to symptoms, risk factors, causes, evolution, treatment and prognosis.
Read more →
The pervasiveness of weight gain that causes people to become overweight or obese is a major medical concern. More than one-third of adults in the United States were obese in 2011-2012, according to a February 2014 report in "JAMA."
Read more →
Blood is made of three types of cells that are produced inside the bones: white blood cells fight infections; red blood cells provide energy and carry oxygen to different organs; and platelets thicken the blood so that it clots during injury.
Read more →
Worcestershire sauce adds flavor to chicken dishes, turkey, beef, chili, pasta and salads, but delicious tasting dishes are not the only benefit that comes with the use of Worcestershire sauce. This condiment is packed with vitamins that may help improve many health conditions.
Read more →
If your blood sugar levels drops too low, your body will send you signals. Shaking, sweating, feeling weak, dizzy or light-headed, being irritable, anxious or confused are all signs of a hypoglycemic reaction. Low blood sugar can happen even if you do not have diabetes.
Read more →
Anemia is a condition where the production and the number of red blood cells is below normal levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can range from mild to severe., Anemia, which can make you feel exhausted, can effect your ability to exercise and leave you unable to complete workouts.
Read more →
According to the American Red Cross, 3 percent of Americans donate blood on a regular basis. Blood donation is voluntary, and there is no financial reimbursement. Donors are heavily screened with a variety of questions. They must be over the age of 18 and weigh more than 110 pounds.
Read more →
High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when the body has too little insulin, or cannot use it properly. Common causes of high blood sugar include overeating, under-exercising and emotional stress.
Read more →
The cells in your body need oxygen to carry out metabolism and produce enough energy to live and support your activities. Red blood cells are responsible for picking up oxygen from your lungs, transporting it in your bloodstream and delivering it to cells that need it.
Read more →
White blood cells are an important part of your immune system. MedlinePlus states that white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, help combat infection and may be one of five distinct types, including neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes or lymphocytes.
Read more →
Donating blood is a valuable gift that can save lives. In fact, millions of people in the United States need blood transfusions each year. If you’re a smoker, you might worry about whether you can smoke before or after donating blood.
Read more →
Furosemide is used to treat high blood pressure, liver disease and fluid retention. This medication affects the composition of the urine and can lead to changes in the levels of electrolytes, including potassium.
Read more →
There’s a saying that “blood is thicker than water,” but blood that is too thick can be a serious medical issue.
Read more →
An aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning of the wall of a blood vessel. This can occur in several of the body’s arteries including the carotid arteries in the neck, which carry blood to the brain, as described by the Cleveland Clinic.
Read more →
Androgen hormones are produced by the adrenal glands and reproductive organs in both men and women, and are responsible for male physical characteristics. These hormones are converted into testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, its active form, explains the Merck Manual.
Read more →
Grapes and raisins contain the sugars glucose and fructose, which impart the sweet flavor of these foods. The high carbohydrate content, however, may concern you in terms of the potential effect on your blood sugar level.
Read more →
Low platelets in infants can have a variety of causes and multiple effects. The clinical name for low platelets is thrombocytopenia, and indicates a platelet count of less than 150,000 per microliter of blood.
Read more →
For those with poor leg circulation, walking just one block can be a very daunting task. Poor leg circulation is caused by peripheral artery disease, a condition in which the arteries in your legs become narrowed or even blocked from fatty plaque buildup.
Read more →
High levels of bad cholesterol and total cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Total cholesterol takes into account levels of both low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol.
Read more →