Thick blood isnt a condition in itself.

Rather, it is a result of othervascularconditions.

Learn more about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Verywell / Julie Bang

What Is Thick Blood?

Coagulation is the process in which the body forms a clot in response to bleeding.

Ablood clot(thrombus) that occurs in an artery or vein can be life-threatening.

It can block blood flow to essential organs like the brain, heart, and lungs.

Hypercoagulability

Hypercoagulability is the exaggerated tendency of the blood to clot.

Thick Blood Symptoms

Often, there are no symptoms of thick blood.

Most people find out they have thick blood after they have been diagnosed with a blood clot.

However, sometimes thick blood can producesymptoms associated with blood clots.

The symptoms experienced depend on where a clot is forming in the body.

These might include:

Get emergency medical help right away if you develop any symptoms of a blood clot.

Causes of Thick Blood

There are many causes for thick blood.

Hypercoagulation can be inherited or a person may develop it due to a health condition.

Oftentimes, both genes and the environment are contributing factors.

These include:

What Are the Risks of Thick Blood?

Thick blood places a person at increased risk for developing blood clots.

Testing may include:

Further testing may be done to identify suspected underlying conditions.

Treatments for Thick Blood

Treatment for thick blood varies.

However, there may be side effects associated with such medications.

For example, those taking blood thinners are at increased risk of bleeding.

It can be treated with medications.

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