Common symptoms of COVID19 virus infection are coughing and shortness of breath. However, it was recently discovered that people with COVID19 can experience blood clots or clotting. How can this Corona virus infection affect the blood clotting process?
Research related to the short-term impact and infection of the COVID19 virus on health, including blood clotting, continues to be conducted. Several studies have shown that infection with COVID19 can cause more serious health problems. One of them is a blood or a blood clot.
This coagulated blood can become a barrier for oxygen-rich blood to various important organs in the body, including the lungs and brain.In addition to the lungs, blood clotting in COVID19 patients can also manifest in the legs as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
How does the COVID19 virus cause blood to clot?
When there is a cut, a blood clot will form which will help stop the bleeding. These blood clots can clog the wound, helping the healing process.
However, sometimes blood clots can form without injury or occur in the blood vessels. This condition is dangerous because blood clots can restrict blood flow, which ultimately leads to complications, such as stroke and heart attack.
Blood clotting can also be felt by people with COVID19. This is reinforced by the discovery that people with COVID19 can experience complications from blood clotting.
Although it is not known for sure, several factors are thought to increase the risk that people with COVID19 will develop blood clots.
Several studies have found that the way the Corona virus infects a person's body can trigger inflammation of the blood vessels, causing blood clots to form.
In addition, it is believed that blood clotting also occurs due to an overactive response of the immune system to fight viruses that enter the body, thereby increasing the activity of cells which are important in initiating the process. coagulation. Therefore, there is a risk of increased blood clotting in patients with COVID19.
Other studies have shown that people with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, are at greater risk of developing blood clots if they are infected with the virus that causes COVID19.
Recognition of Ddimer in COVID19
Patients The process of blood clotting can occur due to various things including infection with Corona virus.Corona virus infection causes systemic inflammation and a cytokine storm in people with COVID19. Both can cause blood clotting disorders that increase Ddimer levels.
Ddimer is part of the protein that helps blood clot or the clotting process. If Ddimer levels continue to rise in people with COVID19, the risk of experiencing blockages from blood clots is also greater.
Initially, Ddimer levels in patients with COVID19 were not included in the routine tests that had to be performed, so deaths were often reported. Therefore, Ddimer test levels are now recommended for COVID19 patients, especially those with severe symptoms, the elderly, pregnant women, and co-morbidities.
The Ddimer test is performed by taking blood samples from people with COVID19. The maximum level of Ddimer is 500 ng / ml.If the level of Ddimer exceeds the normal limit, the patient should be treated promptly and appropriately to avoid complications due to blockage of blood vessels in important organs, including the lungs.
How to Overcome Blood Clotting Due to COVID19
Currently, Ddimer levels are an indicator of the severity of people with COVID19. If the level of Ddimer exceeds the normal limit, the doctor may prescribe anticoagulant drugs (anticoagulants). This medicine will dissolve blood clots caused by inflammation in people with COVID19.
Note that blood thinners should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Proper administration as prescribed by the doctor can normalize Ddimer levels and prevent complications from COVID19.
Although more research is still needed, anticoagulant drugs can treat severe pneumonia due to Corona virus infection and COVID19 patients with high levels of Ddimer.
To avoid the chain of transmission of COVID19, be sure to always follow the applicable health protocols, that is, wash your hands, wear a double mask, always keep your distance and avoid crowds.