Expert
Zhang Jiali, Chief Physician, Mianyang Hospital Affiliated to Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineBlood stasis syndrome, characterized by slow blood flow and insufficient blood supply to tissues and organs, is a common clinical condition in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is essentially a syndrome in TCM (the term “症” refers to the clinical manifestations of a disease, while “证” corresponds to the pathological and physiological changes at a specific stage of the disease, hence the concepts of “same disease, different syndromes” and “different diseases, same syndrome”). Blood stasis is a major TCM syndrome associated with coronary heart disease, myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris, and even myocardial infarction.
What are the clinical manifestations and consequences of blood stasis syndrome?
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Ischemia and Hypoxia
Common clinical signs such as cyanosis of the lips and fingers, and cold extremities are related to ischemia and hypoxia, resulting from poor blood circulation, which in TCM is identified as blood stasis syndrome.
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Pain
In TCM, it is believed that “blood carries qi,” and “qi moves blood.” The movement of blood relies on the propulsion of qi.In cases of blood stasis, blood flow is slow, and “if the vessels are not open, pain will occur.”The main manifestations include angina pectoris, pain in the lower limbs (after activity), or gastrointestinal blood stasis leading to stomach pain and abdominal pain.
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Organ Dysfunction
Due to blood stasis and consequent hypoxia, “blood not carrying qi” inevitably leads to qi deficiency. Prolonged qi deficiency, blood stasis, and hypoxia will result in decreased organ function, with patients often experiencing fatigue, weakness, low energy, and a weak voice, with severe cases leading to organ failure.
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Thrombotic Events
Slow and stagnant blood flow is prone to coagulation, forming blood clots, which are significant causes of cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, and other embolic events (such as pulmonary embolism).
How is blood stasis syndrome diagnosed?
Patients with the above clinical manifestations may present with cyanosis of the lips and nails, a dark and purplish tongue, and a pulse that is deep, thin, and choppy. Blood tests may show abnormal coagulation indicators and increased blood viscosity, which can confirm the diagnosis.
Which populations are prone to blood stasis syndrome?
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Prolonged Bed Rest
Due to limited limb movement and poor blood flow, individuals who are bedridden for extended periods are at high risk for blood stasis and thrombosis, commonly seen in the elderly, those with pneumonia, heart failure, fractures, or even postpartum bed rest.
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Prolonged Inactivity
For example, sitting on international flights (which can last for several hours) in confined spaces without movement can easily lead to blood stagnation and venous thrombosis.
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Qi Deficiency
Qi deficiency cannot effectively propel blood flow, leading to slow blood circulation and stasis (known as qi deficiency blood stasis), commonly seen in heart failure, anemia, and the elderly who are frail and frequently ill.
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Qi Stagnation
When qi flow is obstructed, it cannot effectively promote blood circulation, resulting in blood stasis (known as qi stagnation blood stasis). Symptoms include distension and pain in the chest, hypochondrium, and abdomen, often related to emotional distress, liver qi stagnation, and dietary irregularities.
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Pathological Factors
Severe hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia are common diseases that lead to increased blood viscosity; chronic hypoxia in patients with cor pulmonale and those living at high altitudes can lead to excessive red blood cell production; dehydration (such as severe diarrhea, burns, or high-dose diuretics) can concentrate the blood; hematological diseases like leukemia (blood cancer), polycythemia vera, and increased fibrinogen can also lead to increased blood components, resulting in thickened blood.
How is blood stasis syndrome treated?
Western Medical Approaches
Anticoagulant medications can reduce blood viscosity, commonly including heparin, low molecular weight heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches
Invigorating blood and resolving stasis is one of the fundamental methods in TCM for treating blood stasis syndrome.A large number of Chinese herbs possess blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving properties, with Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and San Qi (Panax notoginseng) being representative examples.The compound Dan Shen Drop Pills is formulated primarily from Dan Shen and San Qi.
According to the 2016 edition of the “Clinical Application Expert Recommendations for Compound Dan Shen Drop Pills,” the pharmacological effects of this medication include: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, protection of endothelial function; reduction of myocardial oxygen consumption, protection of myocardial cells; inhibition of platelet adhesion and aggregation; improvement of microcirculation, with good preventive and therapeutic effects on ischemia-reperfusion injury and microcirculatory disorders.
Its clinical application is extensive, with effects of invigorating blood, resolving stasis, and alleviating pain.
How to prevent blood stasis syndrome?
Quit Smoking
Smoking can lead to blood stasis.The carbon monoxide in smoke binds with hemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport and causing hypoxia; it damages endothelial function; promotes platelet aggregation, all of which contribute to increased blood viscosity.
Limit Intake of High-Fat and High-Sugar Foods
Excessive blood lipids and sugars not only promote the formation of atherosclerosis but also lead to increased blood viscosity, slow blood flow, and various symptoms of blood stasis.
Stay Hydrated
Water is the source of life, with over 80% of blood being water. If the body is dehydrated, blood will become concentrated, leading to increased viscosity.Therefore, developing a habit of drinking water and timely hydration is crucial.Drinking more water can dilute the blood, reduce viscosity, and increase urine output, accelerating the excretion of metabolic waste from the blood.
Increase Physical Activity
Exercise can consume excess sugars and fats in the body, accelerating metabolism; muscle contractions during exercise promote blood circulation and reduce blood viscosity.
Black Fungus
Black fungus has the effect of reducing blood viscosity, can prevent coagulation and thrombus formation, and is beneficial when consumed regularly.
Medicinal Treatment
The Chinese patent medicine Compound Dan Shen Drop Pills can be used for the treatment of blood stasis syndrome and is one of the therapeutic agents for thrombotic diseases in the elderly.
In summary, blood stasis syndrome is clinically very common, and active prevention and treatment are key to preventing thromboembolic diseases. Supplementing qi, promoting qi flow, and invigorating blood are fundamental methods in TCM for treating blood stasis syndrome. The best measures for preventing blood stasis syndrome are lifestyle interventions, which can also be complemented with appropriate medicinal adjustments for synergistic effects.
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