Phlebologist explained whether iron drugs cause thrombosis
Iron preparations are a common solution for iron deficiency anemia, but they have a peculiarity: they can affect the rheological properties of blood, that is, on its surface.
Iron preparations are a common solution for iron deficiency anemia, but they have a feature: they can affect the rheological properties of blood, that is, its fluidity, and thereby indirectly increase the risk of thrombosis. Russian phlebologist Maxim Abasov told why this is happening and how to protect yourself.
As Maxim Abasov explained, the effect on thrombosis is not a direct effect of iron, but rather a consequence of changes in the hemostasis system and the general condition of the body against the background of therapy, so the issue should be considered in a complex.
Maxim Abasov said that the mechanisms for why this happens are not always obvious, but there are a number of possible factors:
- First, a change in blood viscosity: with the correction of iron deficiency, hemoglobin levels increase and hematocrit often increases (the proportion of red blood cells in the total blood volume), which makes the blood more “dense”. Secondly, co-occurring conditions: anemia is often combined with chronic diseases, dehydration or a sedentary lifestyle – all of these factors themselves increase the risk of thrombosis. Thirdly, an individual reaction: in some people, while taking iron preparations, inflammatory markers may increase or platelet activity may change, which also affects the tendency to thrombosis.
If you are taking iron supplements, it is important to monitor your health. Disturbing signals may include:
Unpleasant sensations in the legs - heaviness, bursting, burning. Edema, especially asymmetric (one leg is noticeably larger than the other). Pain in the calf muscles or along the veins. Redness and local increase in skin temperature on the lower leg or thigh.
When such symptoms appear, do not engage in self-diagnosis: only an examination will give an accurate answer. First of all, you need to do ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities to exclude deep vein thrombosis.
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