Increased redness of the blood: a warning about blood viscosity and the risk of blood clots
Internal medicine specialist Dr. Tawfiq Al-Hamawi issued an urgent medical warning regarding a significant increase in cases of erysipelas, a condition directly linked to high blood viscosity. Dr. Al-Hamawi indicated that this alarming rise is primarily due to unhealthy lifestyles, especially smoking and obesity, and called for swift therapeutic and preventative intervention to avoid potentially catastrophic complications such as strokes and paralysis.
The concept of erysipelas and its medical background
Erysipelas is medically defined as an increased number of red blood cells, leading to thicker blood and slower blood flow. Historically, facial and skin redness was seen as a sign of health and vitality in some cultures; however, modern medicine has established that this excessive redness can be a warning sign of a disorder in blood and bone marrow function, rather than a sign of well-being.
Dr. Al-Hamawi explained that this disorder is characterized by high hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, which turn the blood into a highly viscous fluid that is difficult to pump, threatening vascular blockages that may affect any organ in the body.
Risk indicators and critical figures
The specialist identified the red lines that necessitate immediate medical intervention, explaining that danger indicators begin when hemoglobin exceeds 20 mmol/L and hematocrit reaches 60%, compared to normal levels of 17 mmol/L and 48% for men. This significant difference increases blood viscosity and raises the likelihood of blood clot formation.
Al-Hamawi divided the causes of the disease into two main types:
- Primary causes: These are the most serious and result from a genetic defect that causes the bone marrow to overproduce cells. These conditions may develop into blood cancers and require careful and continuous medical intervention.
- Secondary causes: These are the most common at present, and are related to lifestyle factors such as smoking, which reduces oxygen and stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells to compensate for the deficiency, in addition to obesity, chronic lung diseases, and living at high altitudes.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
Dr. Al-Hamawi pointed out the need to pay attention to the initial symptoms, which some may consider fleeting, including:
- Persistent headaches and dizziness.
- Blurred and unclear vision.
- Itchy, irritating skin, which is especially severe after showering with hot water.
He also warned of advanced signs that may suddenly appear as a result of blood clots, such as partial paralysis, persistent numbness in the limbs, and difficulty speaking, stressing that early diagnosis is the only lifeline to avoid permanent damage to the nervous system.
Treatment and prevention protocol
The treatment plan includes integrated steps that begin with lifestyle changes. Al-Hamawi emphasized that quitting smoking is the most important step, as studies have shown that hemoglobin levels can return to normal within 6 to 9 months of complete cessation of smoking.
Medically, blood thinners such as aspirin and specific medications to improve cell condition are used, along with a strict weight-loss diet. In advanced cases, doctors resort to a therapeutic blood draw (phlebotomy), in which approximately 500 ml of the patient's blood is periodically removed to reduce viscosity and alleviate bothersome symptoms such as tinnitus and headaches.
He concluded by emphasizing that prevention lies in health awareness, warning that continued smoking and weight gain close the door to any opportunities for recovery or improvement, thus increasing the health burdens on the individual and society.
