Recently, a friend's relative was admitted to the hospital after experiencing recurring discomfort and unstable blood sugar levels. Initially, it appeared to be a routine diabetes complication, but it turned out she had something unexpected—her blood was thickening to such an extent that it was making her sick.While blood thinning is often discussed in the context of diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, the dangers of blood thickening, or hypercoagulability, remain largely overlooked.

This woman in her late 60s living with diabetes, was in danger of suffering a life-threatening complications from abnormally clotting blood. Her story highlights an often overlooked medical issue: thick blood can prevent proper circulation, increase the risk of thrombosis, and contribute to all sorts of health complications, including some that prove fatal if ignored.

Blood must be in a fine balance to be able to circulate properly and clot when needed. But when there is an imbalance of blood proteins and cells, it becomes too thick. This is called hypercoagulability, and it makes the blood more prone to clotting, which can clog the blood vessels and cause serious health issues like strokes, heart attacks, and deep vein thrombosis.

While blood is homogeneous in appearance, it contains a mix of different components, such as red and white blood cells, platelets, proteins, and clotting factors. When these components exist in a greater quantity than normal, the blood becomes thicker, thus harder for the heart to pump it effectively through the body.

What Causes Blood to Thicken?

There are a number of reasons why blood may become thick, and although some are inherited, others are acquired later in life. Some of the most important causes include:

Overproduction of Blood Cells: Too many red blood cells (polycythemia vera) or platelets can cause thick blood.

Underlying Illnesses: Diseases such as cancer, lupus, and diabetes can interfere with blood clotting mechanisms.

Too Much Clotting Protein: Some people overproduce clotting proteins, which puts them at risk of thrombosis.

Smoking: Smoking harms blood vessels and lowers the body's capacity to form anticoagulant factors.

Inflammation: Elevated inflammatory markers, frequently found in chronic conditions such as diabetes, contribute to clot formation.

Because there is no one definition of "thick blood," physicians diagnose it according to the underlying condition causing abnormal clotting.

Link Between Diabetes and Thick Blood

Diabetes patients are especially vulnerable to thickening of the blood because of elevated glucose, lipid, and inflammatory cytokine levels in the blood. Diabetes encourages the development of plaque in arteries, thus enhancing the likelihood of lethal clots. The condition, which is referred to as thrombosis, may clog arteries and veins and result in fatal complications.

When an individual has diabetes, their platelets (small blood cells responsible for clotting) become hyperactive, and the risk of clot formation becomes higher. Poor circulation and long-term inflammation are also contributing factors. Scarily, research indicates that almost 80% of individuals with diabetes will eventually perish from clot-related complications.

Symptoms of Thick Blood

Most individuals are unaware of their thick blood until a blood clot develops. In others, a family history of clotting disorders will lead to testing before symptoms arise. Warning signs can include:

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Frequent headaches
• Easy bruising
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Excessive menstrual bleeding (in women)
• Itching skin
• Gout (a type of arthritis brought on by an excess of uric acid in the blood)

If you have unexplained clotting, multiple pregnancy loss (greater than three first-trimester miscarriages), or a family history of clotting diseases, see a physician for screening.

What Tests Can Detect Hypercoagulability?

In diagnosing thick blood, physicians review the complete medical history and perform blood tests in phases. Some of the most frequently performed tests are:

Complete Blood Count (CBC): Tests for elevated red blood cell or platelet counts.

Activated Protein C Resistance Test: Finds the presence of Factor V Leiden, which is a genetic mutation linked with blood clotting disorders.

Prothrombin G20210A Mutation Test: Finds abnormality in the blood clotting factors.

Antithrombin, Protein C, and Protein S Levels: Assists in finding conditions like lupus anticoagulants.

These tests being expensive and highly specific, physicians would typically start with more general screening tests and proceed to more specialist diagnostics.

How Can You Reduce the Risk of Thick Blood?

Although some reasons for thick blood are genetic and cannot be avoided, life-style changes and medical treatment may decrease risks in people with diabetes or other predisposing factors. Preventive strategies include:

• Circulation is improved and blood kept from becoming sluggish through exercise.
• Thickening of the blood can result from dehydration, so proper hydration with water is crucial.
• Keeping glucose and lipid levels in check can minimize risks of clot formation.
• Smoking harms blood vessels and facilitates clot formation.
• Eating foods with omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) helps in minimizing inflammation and enhancing circulation.
• In certain individuals, physicians might recommend blood thinners such as aspirin or anticoagulants.

Ignoring to symptoms of thick blood may result in more dangerous complications. It is critical to detect them early with routine check-ups and blood work, especially for patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or a family history of blood clotting diseases.

If you suspect that you have thick blood or have clotting-related symptoms, see your doctor right away. Early detection and treatment will avert fatal disorders like stroke, heart attack, and deep vein thrombosis.

It is not uncommon for doctors to misidentify a health condition or misdiagnose due to lack of information or conflicting symptoms. However, many times these mistakes can lead the patient to get the wrong treatment, and cause problems like prolonged treatment, more health problems as well as patients feeling unheard.

A new report suggests that doctors are often missing a common, hormone-related reason for high blood pressure. This overlooked condition, called primary aldosteronism, could be affecting a significant number of people with high blood pressure without them even knowing. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, most doctors fail to identify this condition, even though it is the most common cause of high blood pressure.

More Common Than Thought

Research shows that as many as 30% of high blood pressure patients seen by heart specialists, and 14% of those seen by general doctors, actually have primary aldosteronism. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands (small glands located on top of your kidneys) produce too much of a hormone called aldosterone.

Despite how common it might be, many people with high blood pressure are never given a simple blood test to check for primary aldosteronism. In other cases, they might finally be tested years after their high blood pressure diagnosis. By this time, the condition can already lead to serious health problems.

Misdiagnoses in other health problems are also very common. According to a 2023 study published in the JAMA journal, every year, a staggering number of people—around 795,000—either die or are left with permanent disabilities because of mistakes in their diagnosis or related issues in healthcare. Even with a more conservative estimate, the number is still very high, at about 549,000 people harmed.

Why Is It Important to Diagnose?

People with primary aldosteronism face a higher risk of heart and blood vessel problems compared to those with regular high blood pressure.

Aldosterone helps control the balance of sodium (salt) and potassium in your blood. When aldosterone levels are too high, your body can lose too much potassium and hold onto too much sodium, which directly leads to higher blood pressure. Studies have shown that individuals with primary aldosterosteronism are:

• Nearly 2.6 times more likely to have a stroke.
• Twice as likely to experience heart failure.
• 3.5 times more likely to develop an irregular heartbeat.
• 77% more likely to end up with heart disease.

A simple and inexpensive blood test could help identify more people with primary aldosteronism, ensuring they get the right treatment.

New Guidelines and Treatment Options

The new report suggests that everyone diagnosed with high blood pressure should have their aldosterone levels checked. If primary aldosteronism is found, specific treatments for that condition should be given.

There are prescription medications available to treat primary aldosteronism. These include drugs like spironolactone and eplerenone, which help lower blood pressure and increase potassium levels in the body.

Doctors might also recommend surgery to remove one of the two adrenal glands if only one gland is making too much aldosterone. Patients are also usually advised to follow a balanced low-sodium diet and try to lose weight to help manage the condition.

A dental implant is not just a cosmetic fix; it is a decision that reshapes your smile, speech, eating habits, and even the structure of your jaw. While dental implants are reliable and widely recommended, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. A dental implant is not just “a new tooth”. It plays a vital role in supporting your bite, preserving facial structure, improving your diet, and boosting confidence.

And patients who ask the right questions tend to see better long-term outcomes—both in function and appearance. When you ask the right questions, you are more likely to get a personalised treatment plan that fits your needs, anatomy, and lifestyle. And that is when the results truly last.

Here are six crucial questions every patient must ask their dentist before getting an implant:

1. Am I the right candidate for an implant?

“Dental implants rely on healthy, stable jawbones for long-term success,” says Dr. Sanjeet Shanker, Founder and CEO at Epikdoc. He warns that if a tooth has been missing for a while, the bone beneath it may have started to resorb, even if there are no visible signs.

This makes a detailed X-ray or 3D CBCT scan non-negotiable. “We need to assess bone height, width, and density before planning an implant,” he explains. In cases where bone is lacking, your dentist may suggest bone grafting, a preliminary step that adds time and cost but provides a solid foundation for success.

2. What type of implant and crown will you use in my case?

Implants differ in length, width, design, and material depending on the patient’s needs. “Titanium implants are the gold standard and work well in most cases,” he says. However, zirconia implants are also an option for those with metal sensitivities or specific aesthetic preferences.

When it comes to the visible crown, options include porcelain-fused-to-metal for durability in back teeth and all-ceramic or zirconia crowns for a more natural look in the front. Dr. Shanker recommends asking your dentist why a particular system is being suggested and how it suits your bite forces, gum contours, and smile line.

3. What will the treatment involve over the next few months?

Implant treatment is rarely a one-day procedure. Here is how a typical journey looks:

Tooth extraction (if needed), bone grafting (if required), implant placement, healing time (osseointegration), and then crown placement.

The expert stresses the importance of knowing whether you will get a temporary crown, a removable denture, or have to manage without a tooth during healing. A clear treatment timeline helps you prepare your schedule, diet, and expectations.

4. What kind of daily care will my implant need?

“Even though implants do not decay, the surrounding gums and bone can get infected if not cared for properly, a condition called peri-implantitis,” Dr. Shanker warns.

He advises patients to ask:

• How do I clean around the implant?
• Do I need special tools like interdental brushes or water flossers?
• How often should I return for cleanings?

An implant is like a luxury car. With regular maintenance, it will serve you for decades. But neglect it, and problems pile up fast.

5. What does the total cost include?

Dr. Shanker points out that pricing can vary dramatically. Some clinics bundle everything, while others charge separately for scans, surgeries, crowns, and follow-ups.

He recommends asking clearly:

• Is bone grafting included if required?
• Will I have temporary teeth during healing?
• What’s the policy on emergencies or crown replacement?

Getting clarity upfront helps you avoid surprises and make accurate comparisons.

6. Does the brand of implant matter?

This, according to Dr. Shanker, is one of the most frequently asked questions. “It is like tennis. Give Roger Federer an average racket, and he will still win the match,” he says.

In implants, the surgeon’s skill and case planning are far more important than brand names. The real hierarchy, he says, is:

1. The doctor’s experience and planning

2. Your own health and bone condition

3. The quality of the implant system

While established brands offer reliable results, focusing only on labels is a distraction. “Choose a clinician you trust and one who explains the ‘why’ behind their choice,” Dr. Shanker advises.

When you think of endometriosis, the image that typically comes to mind is a woman doubled over in pain, battling fatigue or struggling with infertility. But for a significant portion of women, this chronic condition creeps in silently, without a single symptom to give it away. Known as asymptomatic or silent endometriosis, this elusive form can cause severe and irreversible damage before it is ever detected.

Endometriosis is commonly linked with menstrual pain, tiredness, and fertility problems. But asymptomatic or silent endometriosis is a type of condition that is much more insidious. It does not come with the familiar warning signals, so it becomes more difficult to identify and, worse, more likely to lead to long-term damage.

No Pain, But Plenty of Harm

"Since there is no pain or any apparent symptoms, the disease tends to silently grow, spreading outside the reproductive system," explains Dr. Smeet Patel, endometriosis specialist at Mayflower Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad.

In its advanced stages, silent endometriosis does not stop at the ovaries or uterus. It can, over time, infiltrate major organs like the colon, bladder, and even deep pelvic tissues. "In a few advanced conditions, it can migrate up to the parametrium, internal vessels, or S2–S3 segment of the spine, invading the sciatic nerve and generating extreme complications," he says.

First Clue: Infertility

"What is especially dangerous about silent endometriosis is that its very first symptom is usually infertility," warns Dr. Smeet Patel. "By the time a woman presents to us with a fertility evaluation, the disease has already begun to deplete her ovarian reserve, reduce egg quality, or occlude her fallopian tubes—all without so much as a twinge or an early warning sign."

The disease progresses with no outward signs, which makes it incredibly deceptive. It is worth mentioning that nobody actually knows why certain people are experiencing severe pain and others experience nothing at all. However, the expert says if a patient is going for IVF or there is a family history of endometriosis, they always keep in mind the possibility of having a hidden case.

Difficult to Detect

"It is difficult to diagnose," Dr. Smeet Patel admits. "Laparoscopy is still the gold standard, but high-resolution MRIs and transvaginal ultrasounds sometimes can catch indicators."

He explains that treatment is highly individualised. "The treatment is customised based on the goals of the patient—whether that is pain management, fertility, or prevention of complications down the line. For women not attempting to get pregnant, we might observe the condition closely instead of performing surgery at once. However, if fertility is an issue, early treatment—hormonal treatment, laparoscopic surgery, or assisted reproduction methods—can be a game-changer in results."

What Dr. Smeet Patel always tells his patients is this: silence does not mean peace. Just because your body is not shouting does not mean it is not sending signals. "The more aware we become of silent endometriosis, the better we can protect reproductive health and improve quality of life before irreversible damage occurs," he says.

A Hidden 25%

Dr. Sanjay Patel, endometriosis surgeon, points out the hidden nature of this condition. He explains that while most cases present with pain and discomfort, silent endometriosis does not. Patients can appear and feel perfectly healthy as the disease advances within. "About 20–25 per cent of endometriosis patients are asymptomatic. These individuals are often found accidentally during operations for other conditions or upon seeking treatment for infertility," he says.

The Danger of Delay

The actual risk is with the delay. "When we do find it, it might already have affected fertility, caused adhesions, or invaded important organs. Rarely, it can invade the bowel or bladder with dangerous consequences," Dr. Sanjay Patel warns.

He also touches on the psychological toll. "Psychologically, it is confusing to patients—being told you have a disease you never had can be difficult to accept."

And for those who think they are in the clear because they feel fine, Dr. Sanjay Patel offers a word of caution: "If there is a family history, trouble getting pregnant, or unexpected cysts on routine imaging, we must explore further. Just because it does not hurt does not mean it is not bad."