Clotting disorders refer to a tendency for the blood to coagulate or clot when it should not, resulting in medical complications. Uncontrolled, spontaneous blood clotting or thrombosis can occur spontaneously or may be provoked. Thrombosis may be due to an abnormal blood protein and can be inherited. Blood clots can be fatal but always require careful medical attention. They can be life threatening and certainly life altering. One serious complication is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a clot in an extremity. Symptoms of DVT may include arm or leg pain, as well as swelling or redness in the affected limb. A second complication is pulmonary embolism (PE), which is due to a clot in the lung. Symptoms of PE include difficulty breathing and chest pain, often on one side of the chest, while breathing. A third complication is clotting in the heart, which results in a heart attack. Symptoms include chest pain and pain radiating down the arm. Blood clots can also occur in the brain, called a stroke. Signs of stroke may include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding; difficulty seeing in one or both eyes; sudden difficulty walking; dizziness or poor balance; and sudden, severe headache with no known cause. These conditions require medical care as soon as possible. Lastly, some women develop blood clots during or after pregnancy. Clots may also occur in the placenta, resulting in fetal loss or abortion. The cornerstones of management include accurate diagnosis, aggressive patient education, management of current symptoms and measures to help prevent future clotting. For more information, refer to the American Heart Association Web site.

Special Nutritional Considerations for Patients with Clotting Disorders
Patients who have clotting disorders must also pay attention to nutrition for several reasons. First, obesity is a risk factor for development of blood clots. Second, some patients with blood clots must be managed clinically with clot-busting medications. Patients who are receiving thromboprophylaxis, including low-molecular-weight heparin or fragmin, must carefully watch their diets to make sure that it is balanced among food groups. This is important to help maintain an appropriate INR. Finally, staying active and on your feet can help with leg circulation, good for one’s health. Let your doctor know if you have questions or concerns about this aspect of your health.