To study blood coagulability, doctors prescribe a special analysis - a coagulogram. Using this test, you can determine the tendency to thrombosis and increased bleeding. One of the important indicators of the analysis is the concentration of fibrinogen. With various pathologies, the level of this protein increases above normal, which increases the risk of clogging of blood vessels. Can fibrinogen be lowered? And how to do it? We will answer these questions in the article.
What it is
Fibrinogen is a protein that forms in the cells of the liver. When interacting with enzymes, it turns into fibrin filaments and is involved in the coagulation process. This protein is essential for the body to form a blood clot and prevent hemorrhage.
An elevated level of this protein is called hyperfibrinogenemia. At the same time, the patient's blood viscosity increases and the risk of blood clots increases. Therefore, it is very important to lower fibrinogen in time to prevent blockage of blood vessels.
No less dangerous is the low concentration of fibrinogen. Deficiency of this protein leads to increased bleeding and anemia.
Analysis
How to find fibrinogen counts? The level of this protein is determined in the framework of a coagulogram - a blood coagulation test. The biomaterial for the study is taken from a vein.
Blood is placed in a centrifuge, plasma is isolated from it and mixed with the enzyme - thrombin. This forms a blood clot. It is separated from the plasma and weighed. The mass of the clot is multiplied by a factor of 0.222 and get the fibrinogen index. It is measured in grams per 1 liter of blood (g / l).
A coagulogram is prescribed for various pathologies accompanied by a violation of blood coagulation, before surgery, as well as during pregnancy. This analysis is done to older people for preventive purposes, it allows you to assess the risk of developing myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis.
Norm
Normal fibrinogen values for adult patients are between 2 and 4 g / l. The level of this protein increases during pregnancy. During the period of gestation, values from 6 to 7 g / l are considered acceptable. This is a variant of the norm and does not indicate pathology.
In newborns, fibrinogen is produced in smaller quantities than in adults. The norm for infancy is indicators from 1.25 to 3 g / l.
Reasons for the increase
Fibrinogen levels may exceed the norm if the patient suffers from the following pathologies:
- Infectious and inflammatory diseases. Fibrinogen refers to the proteins of the acute phase. It is produced in increased quantities when pathogens enter the body. This is a natural defense reaction of the immune system. Blood clotting can slow the spread of infection. To lower fibrinogen, it is necessary to undergo a course of antibacterial or antiviral treatment.
- Diabetes mellitus. If an insulin deficiency forms in the body, then hepatocytes produce fibrinogen in an increased amount. This is due to metabolic disorders.
- Autoimmune pathologies. With systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis, immune cells produce antibodies against their own tissues. This is accompanied by inflammatory reactions and blood clotting. To lower fibrinogen, it is necessary to achieve a stable remission of the underlying disease.
- Inflammatory liver disease. With hepatitis, organ cell function is impaired. This is often accompanied by an increase in the concentration of fibrinogen.
- Burns. With thermal and chemical lesions of the skin, vascular permeability increases. This leads to a decrease in blood volume and an increase in the concentration of fibrinogen.
- Oncological diseases of the blood. Blood cancer often leads to the formation of metastases in the liver and severe hyperfibrinogenemia.
- Nephrotic syndrome. This pathology is characterized by a serious violation of the kidneys. Excretory organs excrete a huge amount of proteins, including fibrinogen, together with urine. To compensate for its deficiency, the liver begins to produce this protein in large quantities.
- Obese. In overweight people, liver function is impaired. This often leads to excessive production of fibrinogen.
There are non-pathological causes of increased fibrinogen. The level of this protein increases with dehydration, abuse of fatty foods and alcohol, smoking. Blood clotting is often observed in elderly patients due to age-related changes in the body.
What to do if fibrinogen is elevated? How to lower the level of this protein and reduce the risk of thrombosis? There are various blood thinning methods. Further we will consider them in more detail.
Drug therapy
How to lower blood fibrinogen with medication? First of all, it is necessary to conduct therapy for the underlying disease. After all, hyperfibrinogenemia is most often noted against a background of various pathologies. An increase in fibrinogen level is only one of the manifestations of the disease.
To prevent blood clots and blockage of blood vessels, the following groups of drugs are prescribed:
- Antiplatelet agents. These drugs interfere with the bonding and gluing of red blood cells and platelets. They artificially thin the blood. This group includes medications based on acetylsalicylic acid: "Cardiomagnyl", "Aspirin Cardio", "Aspecard".
- Anticoagulants. These medicines reduce blood coagulation. The most commonly used drug is Clexane. It reduces the activity of blood coagulation factors and prevents blood clots.
- Fibrinolytics. These drugs are prescribed only for prolonged hyperfibrinogenemia and for suspected thrombosis. Their active components contribute to the dissolution of already formed blood clots. These include Fibrinolysin and Streptokinase.
All of the above medicines can be used only as directed by a doctor. If taken improperly, these drugs can trigger internal bleeding.
Diet
How to lower fibrinogen with a diet? It is necessary to exclude products that contribute to blood thickening from the diet:
- sugar and sweets;
- alcoholic drinks;
- potatoes;
- fatty foods;
- smoked meats;
- bananas
- buckwheat dishes;
- sweet soda.
As you know, human blood consists of 90% of water. Therefore, it is very important to prevent dehydration and to observe the correct drinking regimen. At least 2 - 2.5 liters of fluid should be consumed per day. This can be high quality bottled water, green or mint tea, freshly squeezed juices from vegetables, fruits and berries.
It is necessary to include in the diet foods that lower fibrinogen. These include:
- sour berries;
- Red pepper;
- olive oil;
- citrus fruits (oranges, lemons);
- grenades;
- figs;
- garlic;
- beet;
- sea fish;
- ginger;
- seafood;
- squash.
It is very important to monitor the calorie intake. Overeating contributes to increased blood viscosity. It is necessary to limit the intake of fats and carbohydrates. Food should be taken at the same time, at least 5-6 times a day in small portions.
ethnoscience
Is it possible to lower fibrinogen folk remedies? In most cases, with hyperfibrinogenemia, the patient requires medication. However, home remedies can be a good addition to drug therapy.
The following phytopreparations will help reduce blood viscosity:
- Melilotus flowers. 30 g of raw materials need to be brewed in 1 liter of boiling water. Filter the solution and drink 1/2 cup twice a day. However, such treatment must be agreed with the doctor, as the clover has side effects.
- White willow bark. This is a fairly powerful natural anticoagulant, it contains a substance similar to aspirin. In pharmacies, ready-made tablets of White Willow Bark are sold. To dilute blood, they are taken 1 piece 2-3 times a day.
- Apple vinegar. This product removes toxins from the body and thins the blood. In a glass of water, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The prepared composition is drunk in the morning. This remedy is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal diseases.
- Tea mushroom. This drink contains acids (acetic, citric, oxalic), which act as natural antiplatelet agents.
Folk remedies for blood thinning are not recommended before surgery, with hemorrhoids and before menstruation. They can cause severe bleeding.
During pregnancy
How to lower fibrinogen during pregnancy? A high level of this protein can lead to placental abruption, impaired fetal development, umbilical cord thrombosis and fetal death. To avoid such consequences, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of hyperfibrinogenemia. Pregnant women are contraindicated in taking many medications. Only a doctor can choose a safe blood thinner.
With increased fibrinogen, the expectant mother needs to eat right. It is necessary to regularly include seafood, green tea, vegetables and fruits in the diet. You can use folk remedies, but before that, you need to consult with your obstetrician-gynecologist.
It is important to remember that it is necessary to reduce fibrinogen during pregnancy very carefully. A sharp drop in the level of this protein cannot be allowed. Its deficiency can lead to gestosis, and then to serious blood loss during childbirth. Therefore, the treatment of hyperfibrinogenemia in pregnant women should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
Conclusion
A high concentration of fibrinogen can provoke dangerous pathologies. To avoid serious complications, it is necessary to undergo a course of complex therapy. It is necessary not only to regularly take medications prescribed by a doctor, but also to avoid the use of products that contribute to blood clotting. This will help prevent blood clots. In old age, it is necessary to regularly make a coagulogram, this will avoid the occurrence of cardiovascular pathologies.