Table of contents:
- The smoking process causes blood clots
- Symptoms when blood clots occur
- Hands or feet
- Heart
- Stomach
- Brain
- Lungs
There are various well-known risks of health problems due to smoking. One that may be rarely known is blood clots in smokers. Although blood clots or clots are normal, health problems can occur if there is abnormal blood clotting. However, is it true that smoking causes abnormal blood clots?
The smoking process causes blood clots
Blood clots or clots are the response of the body when a person experiences an injury. Instantly, the blood clots or clots to stop the bleeding from the wound. However, blood clots can be abnormal. Smokers are one of the high-risk groups for abnormal blood clots.
Cigarettes have been shown to damage the human body. The content of cigarettes which consists of nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and others is called dangerous and can cause blood clots in the human body.
When it enters the body, the harmful substances in these cigarettes make the blood cells stickier than usual. This content also damages the lining of blood vessels.
That way, the blood will stick to the wall very easily, which eventually forms a clot. This blood clotting process is called a thrombus.
When a thrombus occurs, the blood that should flow to the vital organs is blocked and limited. Several organs that may be affected, such as the heart, brain, feet, and even the lungs.
Symptoms when blood clots occur
There are two types of blood clots. When it occurs in an artery, such as in the heart or brain, it is called a clot or arterial thrombosis. This type of blood clot can cause a stroke or heart attack.
A person who has this condition needs emergency care, especially if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, drooping in the lower part of the face, or sudden paralysis in several parts of the body.
The second type is when a blood clot occurs in a vein. This type does occur very slowly, but still threatens the sufferer.
The most serious case of blood clots in the veins, which is when a blood clot forms in the so-called leg deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or deep vein thrombosis. If left untreated, the disease can attack the lungs, which is known as a pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms that are felt in each type of blood clot are different, depending on the location of the blood clot.
In this condition, the symptoms you feel, such as swelling, pain, tender feet or hands, a sensation of warmth, or a change in skin color to redness.
Blood clots in the heart can cause a heart attack. This condition can cause chest pain or feeling heavy, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.
Symptoms that may be felt in blood clots in this area, such as abdominal pain and swelling. However, it must also be noted that these symptoms are not always caused by blood clots. This symptom could also occur due to a virus in the stomach or food poisoning.
Clots in the brain can cause a stroke. The symptoms you feel, namely sudden and severe headaches, along with other symptoms, namely sudden difficulty speaking or seeing.
Blood clots in the lungs are known as pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of this condition include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat. Respiratory problems such as coughing up blood are also one of the symptoms.
Cigarettes can cause abnormal blood clots which can cause serious health problems. To avoid this, it is advisable to stop smoking immediately. If you need help, you can consult a doctor for a way to quit smoking that is right for you.
