What to do about thick blood in the elderly

Mar 28, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
High blood viscosity in the elderly may be caused by factors such as lack of physical activity, overeating, and high blood lipid levels. The condition can be alleviated through appropriate exercise, dietary adjustments, and oral medications. Prolonged sitting or lying down after meals may slow blood circulation, leading to thicker blood. It is also possible that this condition results from underlying diseases such as diabetes.

Blood viscosity in the elderly may be caused by factors such as lack of physical activity, overeating, and hyperlipidemia. The condition can be alleviated through appropriate exercise, dietary adjustments, and oral medications. Specific details are as follows:

1. Insufficient physical activity

If an individual remains seated or lying down for prolonged periods after meals, blood circulation in the body may slow down, leading to increased blood viscosity. Engaging in light physical activities after eating—such as marching in place or slow walking—can help improve blood flow and relieve this condition.

2. Overeating

Frequent binge eating or consuming high-fat, high-calorie foods may also contribute to thicker blood. It is recommended to adjust eating habits by maintaining regular meal times with controlled portion sizes, avoiding overeating, and eliminating high-fat and high-calorie foods to help alleviate symptoms.

3. Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is primarily characterized by elevated levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the plasma beyond normal ranges, often manifesting as thickened blood, obesity, or overweight. Patients should follow medical advice and take lipid-lowering medications such as atorvastatin calcium tablets, simvastatin tablets, or lovastatin tablets, which help reduce cholesterol levels.

In addition to the above causes, conditions such as diabetes may also contribute to increased blood viscosity. Individuals experiencing related symptoms should seek timely medical evaluation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.


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