Essay On Blood Coagulation

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Does Hypothermia Affect Blood Coagulation Enzyme Activity?

Blood coagulation:

Blood coagulation is a cascade of events that help heal a cut or damaged tissue; it is part of a host defense mechanism termed hemostasis [1] When a vessel, or damaged tissue is affected, macromolecules called platelets are introduced (Sticky molecules that assist to clot a cut to allow blood to once again pass) – With fibrin and plasma to help heal. Of course, there needs to be no abnormalities, such as temperature. A type of stroke bleeding is termed hemorrhage, caused by trauma. When blood from trauma irritates brain tissues, it causes swelling [2] In order for a blood clot to occur it requires enzymes to activate other enzymes: TF (Tissue Factor) Serine proteases (Enzymes) such as FVII and FV glycoproteins.
We can then observe whether temperature can affect the coagulation of cascade.

[23]

There are the three pathways in which coagulation occurs: Intrinsic, Extrinsic and Common. The intrinsic pathway is once a substance within the vessel wall (collagen that ordinarily hidden from the blood however exposed if the vessel is damaged) meets a unique chemical within the blood (Factor XII) a series of chemical changes occur that end in the formation of protein and a blood clot. The foreign pathway is ready in motion once blood leaves a broken vessel and enters the tissues around it. Then a chemical within the blood (Factor VII) comes into contact with a chemical within the tissues (Tissue Factor). Once these 2 rest a series of chemical changes occur that results in the formation of protein and a blood clot.

Hypothermia:

Hypothermia, a doubtless fatal condition, happens once blood heat falls below 95°F (35°C). Although physiological condition is a ...

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...hermore, some studies suggest that even though the hypothermia period was relatively short, haemostatic mechanism was impaired. Data indicate an increased thrombotic and fibrinolysis tendency. Major trauma and abdominal surgery are related to hypothermia, usually of duration longer than 60 minutes [22] Overall, this case study shows the enzyme activity and how serious it is; using one country as an example that can also be related to others, around 140 Canadians and 800 Americans die each year as a result of hypothermia [26] The whole idea of blood unable to clot as fast as it can will lead to trauma and strokes and brain injuries and is much more lethal than what it seems. Overall, the enzyme activity may not be dramatically decreased but it is enough to kill a human and it is now proven that the enzyme activity is affected by hypothermia and this is a big deal.

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