View source for Blood Clot Risk

== What Does It Mean? ==
Blood clot risk (thrombosis) refers to an increased likelihood of forming abnormal clots in veins (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or arteries, leading to potential complications like stroke, pulmonary embolism, or cardiovascular disease. Functional medicine focuses on inflammation control, endothelial function, and blood viscosity regulation to reduce clot formation risks naturally.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===
• Chronic Inflammation & Endothelial Dysfunction – Elevated inflammatory markers contribute to abnormal clotting.

• Poor Circulation & Venous Stasis – Sedentary lifestyles and obesity increase clot formation risk.

• Hypercoagulability (Thick Blood) – Dehydration, excess fibrinogen, and oxidative stress elevate clot risk.

• Hormonal Influences (Estrogen Therapy, Birth Control) – Estrogen increases clotting factor production.

• Deficiencies in Key Nutrients (Omega-3, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, B Vitamins) – These play a role in blood thinning and clot prevention.

• Genetic Clotting Disorders (Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin Mutation, MTHFR Variants) – Some individuals genetically produce excess clotting factors.

• Oxidative Stress & Free Radical Damage – Elevated homocysteine and oxidative stress impair vascular health.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===
• Swelling and pain in one leg (DVT warning sign)

• Shortness of breath, chest pain (possible pulmonary embolism)

• Headaches, dizziness, vision changes (increased stroke risk)

• Cold hands and feet, poor circulation

• History of miscarriages or pregnancy-related clotting issues

• Lab markers showing elevated clotting factors, inflammation, or fibrinogen

=== Lab Test Findings ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Changes'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Apolipoprotein A-1
|Decreased
|150.00-210.00 mg/dL
|-
|C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
|Increased
|0.00-0.55 mg/dL
|-
|Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
|Decreased
|1.2-3.9 µg/mL 
|-
|Ferritin
|Increased
|45.00-79.00 ng/mL
|-
|Fibrinogen Activity
|Increased
|175.00-300.00 mg/dL
|-
|Hemoglobin
|Normal or Increased
|13.50-14.50 g/dL
|-
|Homocysteine
|Increased
|5.00-7.20 µmol/L
|-
|Iron, Total
|Increased
|85.00-130.00 µg/dL
|-
|Phosphatidylcholine IgA Ab
|Increased
|0-12.0 IU/mL
|-
|Phosphatidylcholine IgG Ab
|Increased
|0-12.0 IU/mL
|-
|Phosphatidylcholine IgM Ab
|Increased
|0-12.0 IU/mL
|-
|RBC
|Increased
|4.20-4.90 Cells/µL
|-
|Uric Acid
|Increased
|3.50-4.50 mg/dL
|-
|Vitamin K1
|Decreased
|500-1300 ng/dL
|-
|VLDL Calculation
|Increased
|0.00-15.00 mg/dL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach: ===
The goal is to reduce clot formation risk, support vascular integrity, and modulate inflammation.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''    Function''' 
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita B Methyl
|Supports methylation and lowers homocysteine levels
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|V-Inflamma
|Reduces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
|2 capsules without food, daily
|-
|CoQ-10 300 mg
|Enhances endothelial function and antioxidant protection
|1 capsule with food, daily 
|-
|Novo Hepatic
|Supports liver detoxification and clotting balance
|1 capsule without food, twice daily
|-
|Levo Plasmin
|Aids fibrinolysis and breaks down excessive fibrin
|2 capsules without food, twice daily
|-
|Vita-Glutathione
|Enhances detoxification and reduces oxidative stress
|2 capsules with food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===
• Stay Hydrated – Dehydration increases blood viscosity and clotting risk.

• Increase Movement & Avoid Prolonged Sitting – Walk frequently, especially on long flights or car rides.

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Avoid processed foods, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats.

• Support Liver Detoxification – Liver function is key in balancing clotting factors and estrogen metabolism.

• Reduce Stress & Optimize Sleep – Chronic stress increases clot-promoting inflammation.

• Monitor for Medication Interactions – Some natural blood thinners may interact with prescription anticoagulants.