In terms of health, and altered platelet count can alert us that something is not working quite right. This result is obtained by a blood test and should be considered when platelets appear lower or higher than recommended since it may be the source of a significant problem.
However, much of the population is unaware of what exactly platelets are, what their function is in our body, and what it can mean to get an altered count. Knowing this topic is essential to anticipate future health problems that we may encounter and avoid them in time. At FastlyHealwe, explain what platelets are and what they are for.
Table of Contents
What are platelets, and what is their function?
Platelets or thrombocytes are small cells that are part of our blood. Their main task is to participate in the blood clotting process, which makes them essential for forming clots and repairing damaged blood vessels. These cells prevent excessive bleeding when we have a wound.
Its operation is simple; When a blood vessel is injured, platelets adhere to the area in question and are distributed throughout the region to stop any bleeding that may have been triggered. Little by little, the platelets agglutinate and form the so-called platelet plug. This would be enough to stop the bleeding from a small wound. In more severe cases, platelets are aided by other clotting factors that will allow the necessary clot to form.
What are normal platelet levels?
An altered level of platelets can cause poor clotting at a necessary time and have severe consequences for our bodies. Therefore, it is essential to know the average level of platelets in an adult. This should be between 150,000 and 450,000 per cubic millimeter.
Faced with a lower or higher result, a specialist should be consulted without hesitation, which may be our family doctor or a hematologist. This will be in charge of finding out the cause of this alteration and applying the appropriate treatment.
Causes and possible complications of an altered platelet level
A tendency to bleed or bruise for no apparent reason may signify that platelets are not working correctly. A low platelet count can lead to internal bleeding. The lack of thrombocytes implies that the platelet plug will not form correctly and the bleeding can be prolonged, putting our lives in danger. Some diseases such as dengue, leukemia, aplastic anemia, or thrombocytopenia can reduce the number of platelets in our blood.
On the other hand, a high count could lead to dangerous clots in the blood vessels that trigger a thrombosis, a heart attack, or a stroke. This increase in platelets may be due to pathologies such as thrombocytosis or gray platelet syndrome.
We recommend that you carry out a blood test periodically that allows you to control this and other levels in the blood; In this way, you can have a correct diagnosis and take the necessary measures in time. On the other hand, if you have low platelets, we recommend reading the article foods to raise platelets.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Platelets: what they are and what they are for, we recommend that you enter our Immune System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.