Platelet Aggregation
(Clotting)

Platelet Aggregation (Clotting): Overview

Alternative names: Platelet adhesion

Platelets are disk-shaped blood cells that are also called thrombocytes.  They play a major role in the blood-clotting process; platelet aggregation is a crucial step in the process of clot formation, which stops bleeding.

Diagnose your symptoms now!
  • understand what's happening to your body
  • let The Analyst™ find what's wrong
  • see your health summarized and in detail

There are many factors involved in blood clotting (coagulation).  One of the first steps in the process involves small cells in the bloodstream called platelets, which are produced in the bone marrow.  Platelets gather at the site of an injury and clump together to form a plug, or aggregate, that helps to limit the loss of blood and promote healing.

Causes and Development

Thrombocytosis is increased platelet count.  This may occur in certain disease states such as cancer, chronic infections, and certain blood diseases, and may cause increased blood clot formation.

Specific causes include: High triglycerides, excessive red meat, stress, caffeine, sodas, chocolate, and others.

Several organic substances may promote platelet clumping which include collagen, ADP, the catecholamines, certain immune complexes and fatty acids.  Cigarette smoking often contributes to "hyperactive" platelet formation.

A high-fat diet should be ruled out as the cause.  Other possible causes include acute phase protein elevation caused by inflammation, tissue necrosis or allergy; a collagen-damaging disease; occult disease processes which may cause collagen damage or neoplastic changes; excessive stress level producing biochemical imbalance.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of possible excess platelet aggregation include poor circulation, capillary blockage, blood clots, heart problems.

Diagnosis and Tests

A platelet aggregation test can be performed to determine how well platelets are sticking together.  The test measures this by using a platelet antagonist to initiate clumping in the patient's blood sample.

Treatment and Prevention

Substances that reduce platelet aggregation include tocotrienols, shark liver oil, curcumin, gingko biloba, grape seed extract, grapes and grape juice, testosterone, Coumadin, fish oils, vitamin E at 300 IU or above, B6 at 150-200mg, EFAs, garlic, taurine and gugulipids.

Bromelain has been shown to decrease aggregation of blood platelets.  It is an effective fibrinolytic agent but this action is more evident in purified fibrinogen solutions than in plasma.

Prognosis; Complications

Severe platelet aggregation can be a potentially serious finding.  Platelet aggregation can contribute to cardiovascular disease which is the number one cause of death in the western world.

Diabetics and patients with hypercholesterolemia usually demonstrate increased platelet aggregation which can predispose them to clotting disorders which may lead to a vascular thrombus and vessel obstruction.

Conditions that suggest Platelet Aggregation (Clotting):

Circulation

Atherosclerosis

Excessive platelet aggregation has been linked with the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.

Concerned or curious about your health?  Try The Analyst™
Symptom Entry
Symptom Entry
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Suggestions
Suggestions
LifeMeter
LifeMeter®
Full Explanations
Explanations
Optional Doctor Review
Review (optional)

Risk factors for Platelet Aggregation (Clotting):

Circulation

Mitral Valve Prolapse

The prolapsing mitral valve is known to damage platelets and increase their aggregation.  This work has been confirmed in several studies.

Report by The Analyst™
Click to see sample report
Health problems rarely occur in isolation or for obvious reasons

Your body is a highly complex, interconnected system.  Instead of guessing at what might be wrong, let us help you discover what is really going on inside your body based on the many clues it is giving.

Our multiple symptom checker provides in-depth health analysis by The Analyst™ with full explanations, recommendations and (optionally) doctors available for case review and answering your specific questions.

KEY

Weak or unproven link: may suggest
Weak or unproven link:
may suggest
Strong or generally accepted link: often increases risk of
Strong or generally accepted link:
often increases risk of
We use cookies for traffic analysis, advertising, and to provide the best user experience