What is the difference between plaque and thrombus?

Plaque and thrombus are two different concepts. Many people do not have a particularly good understanding of the different manifestations of these two properties. Thrombus refers to the formation of a blood clot in the blood lumen, which can be referred to the shape of blood tofu, while plaque is a lipid substance deposited on the blood vessel wall, which can cause blood vessel stenosis. If the plaque ruptures, it will cause secondary thrombosis, which is generally prone to cause myocardial infarction, cerebral thrombosis, etc. The former belongs to blood coagulation, and the latter is a disorder of fat metabolism.

How to prevent blood clots

If a blood clot appears in the coronary artery of the heart, the heart will not have enough blood return, leading to myocardial ischemia and necrosis, and causing myocardial infarction.

If a blood clot appears in the carotid artery that supplies blood to the brain, it will cause cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, and directly lead to cerebral infarction.

When blood clots appear in the renal blood vessels, it will directly lead to renal stroke. The body's metabolic function will be greatly affected, and toxins in the body cannot be metabolized out of the body in time, leading to a series of diseases such as uremia.

In addition to blocking important organs and the brain, many thrombosis patients suffer from limb thrombosis, and the possibility of thrombosis in the lower limbs is much greater than that in the upper limbs. When blood clots appear in the blood vessels of the lower limbs, it will cause tissue ischemia and necrosis, leading to lower limb gangrene. In severe cases, the only treatment is amputation.

The harm of blood clots is not trivial. Doing a good job of preventive health care is the most effective way to prevent them. So, how should we prevent the occurrence of blood clots?

1. Diet

In terms of diet, you should reduce the intake of high-fat, high-sterol foods, which will cause blood viscosity and increase the risk of hemorrhage. Eat more fruits and vegetables, beans, etc. which are rich in dietary fiber, which can hinder the absorption of cholesterol and neutral fat in food.

2. Drink water

Drinking enough water every day is an effective way to reduce blood viscosity and prevent the occurrence of blood clots. Adults should drink 2000 to 2500 ml of water a day, especially middle-aged and elderly people, who should ensure they drink enough water.

3. Exercise

Exercise can promote blood circulation, speed up the melting of blood clots and reduce blood viscosity. Doing moderate aerobic exercise every day is an effective way to prevent thrombosis. Jogging, cycling, swimming, etc. are all good choices.

4. Quit smoking and drink less alcohol

Tobacco can irritate blood vessels and endanger blood vessel health, while excessive drinking can damage blood cells, leading to increased red blood cell adhesion and causing blood clots. But you can drink wine in moderation, it is very beneficial for enhancing the elasticity of blood vessels and reducing the viscosity of platelets.