Question: I’ve been told that I have “thick blood” and must take drugs to make sure I don’t get blood clots. What can you tell me about this condition? Must I stay on the drugs for the rest of my life?


Dr. Hibberd's answer:

Blood shouldn’t clot when it’s just moving through the body. If blood tends to clot too much, it is referred to as hypercoagulable state or thrombophilia. So, you carry an increased risk for blood clots developing in your blood vessels. There are many causes for this condition, and anticoagulant medications are prescribed for this condition. Your doctor will be able to identify the cause and let you know if you need to take it life-long and advice you on the benefits and risks of these medications.