As we age, the viscosity of our blood tends to increase, which raises the likelihood of blood clot formation, and increases the chances of clot detachment and blood vessel blockage. Monitoring personal health changes and taking timely appropriate preventive measures is crucial to reducing such risks.
The first action to avoid: Sudden turning of the head
- Risk One: Increased chance of chunky plaque detachment. Individuals who frequently smoke, drink alcohol, have uncontrolled diets, or have health issues like high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, etc., may have unstable atherosclerotic plaques accumulated in their neck arteries. Random head movements can lead to rupture of these plaques or clot detachment, causing cerebrovascular accidents.
- Risk Two: Increased risk of nerve compression. Frequent rotation of the neck or irregular shaking may cause a decrease in the diameter of the cervical canal, which in turn compresses the spinal cord. This can cause pain and numbness in the upper limbs and in severe cases, even lead to unsteady walking and paralysis.
- Risk Three: Increased strain on the cervical spine. Although moderate neck twisting can indeed alleviate ligament tension and joint pressure, if performed too vigorously, especially if there are pre-existing neck disorders, casual movement may lead to ligament strains, cervical dislocation, or joint abrasion.
Health Tip: Gentle and subtle neck movements won’t lead to severe consequences, but intense actions such as leaning back, bending forward, side bending, and sudden turning of the head should be avoided as much as possible. If you want to exercise, do so under a doctor’s guidance and make sure there are no organic issues with the cervical spine, then proceed with professionally guided relaxation exercises for the neck.
The second action to avoid: Standing up quickly after sitting for a long time
- Risk One: May induce thrombosis and thromboembolism. Prolonged sitting reduces muscle activity in the lower limbs, leading to slower blood flow and increased blood viscosity, which facilitates the formation of deep vein thrombosis. If you move suddenly at this time, unstable clots could detach and cause embolism. Especially if the clot travels to the lungs, it can cause pulmonary embolism, which is a severe threat to life.
- Risk Two: Possibility of fluctuating blood pressure. After maintaining a position for a long time, sudden changes in posture can lead to fluctuations in blood pressure and transient orthostatic hypotension, resulting in insufficient blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain. Symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or palpitations may occur, and in some cases may even lead to fainting or stroke.
Health Tip: People who often have to sit for long periods are advised to shorten the time spent sitting, and stand up to move around every 40 to 60 minutes. All movements should be done gently to avoid intensity.
How to prevent thrombosis through daily life?
- Proper exercise: Avoid sitting or standing for long periods, and people who are bedridden for a long time should move their lower limb muscles.
- Sensible diet: Drink more water, follow a diet low in salt, sugar, and fat, eat more fiber-rich foods, and keep bowel movements regular.
- Healthy living: Maintain a cheerful mood, control body weight, quit smoking, avoid wearing tight shoes and socks, and do not take birth control pills for an extended period.
- Protecting veins: People who need long-term venous injections should try to protect their blood vessels, reduce repeated punctures, and use appropriate compression stockings to prevent deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs if necessary.
