BY ANTONIO DELOS REYES
The COVID-19 pandemic has been at the forefront of the public’s mind in the past two years. However, there are also other health conditions that remain insidious killers of Filipinos yearly. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and chronic lung disease might have been deprioritized due to the pandemic, but these diseases still account for a large majority of deaths worldwide.
One such side effect of NCDs are blood clots in veins and arteries. A blood clot is a normal bodily function which helps address bleeding during injuries. However, irregular heart movement could lead to abnormal blood clots which could travel to important organs such as the brain and the heart, disrupting their functions and causing fatal conditions such as heart attacks or strokes.
To help raise awareness of this issue, Menarini Asia-Pac recently held a virtual media forum on thrombosis or blood clots. Dr. Marcellus Ramirez of the Philippine Heart Rhythm Society, led the discussion about thrombosis and atrial fibrillation (AF) –two factors to be considered to detect and prevent the risk of stroke happening to a patient.
Dr. Ramirez explained that AF is a known type of “arrhythmia” or irregular heartbeat. It is caused by uncoordinated pumping of the upper and lower chambers of the heart. To people suffering from AF, clots can happen at the upper chambers. These ‘irregular’ clots can circulate and cause blockage in the veins. The elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions such as heart, kidney, or lung diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure can develop AF.
Dr. Johnny Lokin, of the Stroke Society of the Philippines expounded upon the higher risk of stroke brought about by AF. He said that AFcan create thromboses that are pumped to the brain, blocking major arteries that carry oxygenated blood, which is crucial for brain function. It is estimated that one-fourth of all strokes after the age of 40 are caused by AF.
This condition is called an ischemic stroke. Without prompt emergency care, a stroke can lead to the death of brain cells and tissue due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.
According to the National Stroke Association, thrombotic stroke is preventable through medication to manage blood clotting. There are two ways to be able to prevent the risk of getting a stroke: through medication adherence and compliance.
Medication adherence, or the taking of medications correctly as prescribed by the doctor, is another integral aspect of blood clot management that many patients usually take for granted. But effective management of blood clots depends on patients’ self-care.
Adherence to medication is a key part of health care and affects all areas. Apart from compliance to medication, it involves following a recommended diet or implementing lifestyle changes that goes along with medical advice. Medication non-adherence in patients leads to substantial worsening of disease, death, and increased health care costs.Thrombotic stroke can be prevented with enough knowledge on its causes and with a thorough medication program to help the body fight off any signs of it.
