Thrombosis
Description
Thrombosis is when a thrombus forms and partially, or completely, blocks a blood vessel or a cavity of the heart. During hemorrhage this is a lifesaving process, but any other time it may become a life threatening event. The occluded vessel decreases the blood supply to an organ or extremity, which can result in tissue death. A thrombus in one or more of the blood vessels serving the heart can result in a myocardial infarction or commonly known as a heart attack. Alternately, the thrombus may detach and be carried along the circulatory system, occluding a vessel in another location. This condition is then known as embolism.
Thrombi form most commonly in the veins, especially as a complication of varicose veins where blood passage through the blood vessel is slowed. A thrombus formed in an artery is usually the result of damage to the arterial wall, as in the case of atherosclerosis. Anticoagulant drugs are frequently used in the prevention and treatment of thrombosis.
Phlebitis means inflammation of a vein: thrombo-phlebitis, therefore, is when a blood clot forms in a vein.
Causes
Some of the causes include: physical or emotional stress, aging, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity, sedentary life style, heredity, angina and atherosclerosis risk factors such as high cholesterol levels, hypertension and cigarette smoking.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms include: chest pain; sensation of constriction in the central chest area, which can vary in intensity from a feeling of tightness to one of agonizing, crushing or bursting; chest pain which can be continuous or last only a few minutes, fade, and then recur (the pain commonly spreads to the back, jaw and left arm); and pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness and pallor.
Some individuals experience a heart attack without any symptoms.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Antioxidants
Essential Fatty Acids &
Circulatory Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| Bioflavonoid | 500 - 1,000 mg | n/a |
| EPO | 1 - 3 g | n/a |
| Fish oils | 4 - 6 g | n/a |
| Vitamin C | 1,000 - 3,000 mg | n/a |
| Vitamin E | 400 - 800 IU | n/a |
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Some foods may prevent thrombi when eaten in sufficient quantity by inhibiting the aggregation of blood platelets. The Low Fat Diet (Pritikin) is recommended.
The following foods should be stressed in the diet:
Onion
Garlic
Ginger - ground
Mackerel
Salmon
Warfarin, a coumarin, inhibits the formation of prothrombin in the liver. It is extremely effective in the treatment of thrombosis or phlebiis. An individual on warfarin must abstain from alcohol and restrict his or her intake of vitamin K-rich foods, such as:
| Cabbage | Cheese |
| Cauliflower | Fish |
| Dark green leafy vegetables | Soybean |
| Egg yolk | Soybean oil |
Smokers who use oral contraceptives are at increased risk for thrombi and coronary heart disease. Blood clots, which sometime form in response to injury, tend to be of larger size in these individuals. These thrombi are more likely to occlude a blood vessel, producing a heart attack or ischemia.
Homeopathic Remedy
1.* Cactus grandiflorus - 15C
2.* Lachesis mutus tinct. - 30C
3. Crotalus horridus
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
-----------
Cayenne
Gentian root
Ginger plant
Ginkgo biloba
Echinacea
Phlebitis (German Commission E)
Arnica flower
Melilot (Sweet Clover)
Thrombophlebitis (German Commission E)
Melilot (Sweet Clover)
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Cypress Essence, | Garlic Essence, |
| Lemon Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Blood clot
Coronary heart disease
Insufficient blood circulation
References
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