Thrombosis is the formation or presence of a blood clot in a blood vessel (vein or artery). The clot itself is termed a thrombus and is composed of insoluble fibrin, deposited platelets, accumulating white blood cells and entrapped red blood cells.
A thrombus (blood clot) may stay attached to the artery wall creating blockage (occlusion).
An embolus is a traveling blood clot. The blockage that is causes is called an embolism.
A micro-embolism occurs when small platelet aggregates break off from the thrombus and flow downstream, where they can occlude tiny arterioles and capillaries (micro-circulation) that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the heart and brain.
The interaction of platelets with collagen in the blood vessel wall is an originating step in platelet aggregation (build-up) leading to thrombosis. Activated platelets release thromboxanes A2 from arachidonic acid in the phospholipids of the platelet membrane.
Platelets, platelet products, and clotting factors have causal roles in the occurrence of virtually all occlusive vascular events including heart attack and stroke.
Platelet aggregation is inhibited by cyclic AMP and by acetyl-salicylic acid (aspirin).
Incorporating eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the diet reduces the frequency of thrombosis by reduction of thromboxane A2 production. (EPA) is provided in omega 3 foods such as fish oils, milled/ground flaxseed and walnuts.
Resveratrol, the polyphenolic compounds in red wine significantly inhibit platelet aggregation.
Four ounces of lowfat yogurt, sprinkled with walnuts and a tablespoon of ground flaxseed is a heart healthy breakfast. Broiled salmon with rosemary & lemon is a heart healthy dinner option. Several small servings of red wine during the week help nurtures cardiovascular health by preventing platelet aggregation .
Sources:
Alcohol, Wine and Platelet Function
JEAN-CLAUDE RUF
Biol Res 37: 209-215, 2004
The Red Wine Phenolics Trans-resveratrol and Quercetin block human platelet aggregation and eicosanoid synthesis: implications for protection against coronary heart disease.
Pace-Asciak CR, Hahn S, Diamandis EP, Soleas G and Goldberg DM
Clin Chim Acta 235: 207-219 (1995)
Dietary fish oils containing eicosapentaenoic acid and the prevention of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
B J Holub
Canadian Medical Assoc Journal. 1988 September 1; 139(5): 377–381.
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