Blood Disorders » Blood Coagulation

Blood Coagulation

Blood coagulation, also known as hemostasis, is an important bodily function which prevents a person from continually bleeding when one sustains an injury. Much like a beaver constructing a dam, the body uses platelets to dam up a wound, eventually stopping the blood flow. In addition to the webbing of platelets, the body also produces what is known as a fibrin clot, a semi-solid structure which further impedes blood flow. As a wound heals, the platelet structure and the clot break down, allowing for normal blood circulation around the area of the wound.

Disorders in blood coagulation can be very dangerous, sometimes leading to paralysis or even death. For example, one of the most well-known blood coagulation disorders is hemophilia. There are several types of hemophilia, which vary in severity and specific cause, though all are dangerous. Hemophilia occurs when the body is unable to create platelet aggregates, allowing a small cut to be life threatening.

This disease was made famous by the British royalty of yesteryear. Repeated inter-marriage lowered the family’s circulatory systems’ ability to function properly, dubbing hemophilia the “royal disease.” Until recently, there was no real treatment for the disease. But now, it can be treated by blood transfusions and with blood derived from an agent known as anti-hemophilic factor. Though these treatments can be beneficial, they can be as equally dangerous. It is possible to contract AIDS and other blood-borne diseases via transfusions.

On the other hand, excessive blood coagulation can also be dangerous. Anticoagulants are used when a patient exhibits symptoms of over-coagulation or on patients who may need to thin their blood due to a recent heart attack, stroke, or the presence of blood clots. While prescription drugs are administered to seriously ill patients, some doctors advise taking a daily aspirin as a preventative measure for those who may have excessive blood coagulation.

If you are concerned that you may have problems with proper blood coagulation, you should probably consult your doctor. There are several tests he or she can administer to determine if your circulatory system is functioning as it should. Some common tests are the aPTT, INR (PT), and TCT. Another test that may be helpful is known as the mixing text, in which a patient’s plasma is mixed with other plasma which is known to function properly. If the patient experiences a positive reaction, it may be an indication that something can be done to alleviate the problems of poor blood coagulation.

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