Clumping Health Dictionary

An ANTIGEN that stimulates production of an agglutinin – an antibody that causes AGGLUTINATION or clumping of bacteria, blood cells or other antigenic particles. In the case of blood cells, this should not be confused with the clumping that happens in blood COAGULATION, which is a di?erent process.... agglutinogen

Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is sudden damage to BRAIN tissue caused either by a lack of blood supply or rupture of a blood vessel (see ISCHAEMIC STROKE). The affected brain cells die and the parts of the body they control or receive sensory messages from cease to function.

Causes Blood supply to the brain may be interrupted by arteries furring up with ATHEROSCLEROSIS (which is accelerated by HYPERTENSION and DIABETES MELLITUS, both of which are associated with a higher incidence of strokes) or being occluded by blood clots arising from distant organs such as infected heart valves or larger clots in the heart (see BLOOD CLOT; THROMBOSIS). Hearts with an irregular rhythm are especially prone to develop clots. Patients with thick or viscous blood, clotting disorders or those with in?amed arteries – for example, in SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) – are particularly in danger of having strokes. Bleeding into the brain arises from areas of weakened blood vessels, many of which may be congenital.

Symptoms Minor episodes due to temporary lack of blood supply and oxygen (called TRANSIENT ISCHAEMIC ATTACKS OR EPISODES (TIA, TIE)) are manifested by short-lived weakness or numbness in an arm or leg and may precede a major stroke. Strokes cause sudden weakness or complete paralysis of the muscles controlled by the part of the brain affected, as well as sensory changes (e.g. numbness or tingling). In the worst cases these symptoms and signs may be accompanied by loss of consciousness. If the stroke affects the area of the brain controlling the larynx and throat, the patient may suffer slurring or loss of speech with di?culty in initiating swallowing. When the face is involved, the mouth may droop and the patient dribble. Strokes caused by haemorrhage may be preceded by headaches. Rarely, CVAs are complicated by epileptic ?ts (see EPILEPSY). If, on the other hand, numerous small clots develop in the brain rather than one major event, this may manifest itself as a gradual deterioration in the patient’s mental function, leading to DEMENTIA.

Investigations Tests on the heart or COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY or ultrasonic scans (see ULTRASOUND) on arteries in the neck may indicate the original sites of distantly arising clots. Blood tests may show increased thickness or tendency to clotting, and the diagnosis of general medical conditions can explain the presence of in?amed arteries which are prone to block. Special brain X-rays show the position and size of the damaged brain tissue and can usually distinguish between a clot or infarct and a rupture of and haemorrhage from a blood vessel in the brain.

Management It is better to prevent a stroke than try to cure it. The control of a person’s diabetes or high blood pressure will reduce the risk of a stroke. Treatment with ANTICOAGULANTS prevents the formation of clots; regular small doses of aspirin stop platelets clumping together to form plugs in blood vessels. Both treatments reduce the likelihood of minor transient ischaemic episodes proceeding to a major stroke.

Once the latter has occurred, there is no e?ective treatment to reduce the damage to brain tissue. Function will return to the affected part of the body only if and when the brain recovers and messages are again sent down the appropriate nerves. Simple movements are more likely to recover than delicate ones, and sophisticated functions have the worst outlook. Thus, movement of the thigh may improve more easily than ?ne movements of ?ngers, and any speech impairment is more likely to be permanent. A rehabilitation team can help to compensate for any disabilities the subject may have. Physiotherapists maintain muscle tone and joint ?exibility, whilst waiting for power to return; occupational therapists advise about functional problems and supply equipment to help patients overcome their disabilities; and speech therapists help with diffculties in swallowing, improve the clarity of remaining speech or o?er alternative methods of communication. District nurses or home helps can provide support to those caring for victims of stroke at home. Advice about strokes may be obtained from the Stroke Association.... stroke

A recently introduced antiplatelet drug, which decreases clumping of blood PLATELETS and thus inhibits the formation of clots (see BLOOD CLOT; THROMBUS). It is used to prevent episodes in patients with a history of symptomatic ischaemic disease such as STROKE and INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION. The drug should be started under hospital supervision.... ticlopidine

Herbs that keep the blood ‘flowing’ by preventing clotting or clumping of the platelets. Anti-coagulants are justified after myocardial infarction, may prevent cardiac death, and are not outweighed by adverse reactions. Of value in thrombosis.

Bayberry, Cowslip root (Biostrath), Garlic, Ginseng, Lime flowers. ... anti-coagulants

A caprylic acid formulation that facilitates absorption of calcium and magnesium. Occurs naturally in mother’s milk. Antibacterial and antifungal properties. Like fish oils (EPA) this preparation, extracted from coconut, inhibits clumping of platelets and is effective against the organisms of Candida, rhodotorulla, etc. Taken with a yeast-free and sugar-free diet for Candida. This, and other caprylic formulations, are sometimes used as an alternative to Nystatin. ... capricin

The clumping together of platelets (small, sticky blood particles). Aggregation is the 1st stage of blood clotting and helps to plug injured vessels. Inappropriate aggregation can have adverse effects; for example, if aggregation occurs in an artery, it may result in a thrombosis.... aggregation, platelet

A procedure to determine compatibility between the blood of a person requiring a blood transfusion and that of a donor.

Red blood cells from one person are combined with serum from the other.

Clumping of red blood cells indicates the presence of antibodies, showing the blood is not compatible.... cross-matching

n. the clumping together of the body’s own red blood cells by antibodies produced against them, which occurs in acquired haemolytic anaemia (an *autoimmune disease).... autoagglutination

To lower cholesterol. Avoid all animal fats and dairy products, bacon, ham, lobster, shell fish, milk (use skimmed), rich sauces, gravies, the use of cream, eggs, offal, ice cream, cheese (cottage cheese accepted), cream puffs, fried foods, crab, salami, pork, beef steak, veal, baked custard, mayonnaise made with eggs, milk chocolate, fried fish and chips. Alcohol, refined sugars. Accept: white fish, lean meat, chicken, skimmed milk, Tofu products, nuts except cashew and coconut, bread, breakfast cereals, cottage cheese, plenty of fruits and fruit juices, raw green vegetables and salad materials. For cooking – polyunsaturated oils such as sunflower, corn or Soya. No more than 3 eggs per week. 2-3 fatty fish meals each week to prevent clumping of platelets. Artichokes. Dandelion coffee. ... diet - cholesterol

It is now widely accepted that changes in diet and lifestyle can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease. Use DIET – GENERAL as a base.

Unsaturated fatty acids, as in vegetable oils, should replace animal fats (saturated fatty acids) that increase deposits of cholesterol on the inner coat of arteries and encourage hardening. Vegetable oils contain lecithin – a homogeniser which thins and separates the cholesterol, sweeping it along through the bloodstream and preventing deposits to form on walls of the arteries.

A study on the European population has shown a strong link between oily fish consumption and a reduced risk of heart disease. Populations that eat a lot of fish, such as Greenland Eskimos (about 400g a day) and Japanese fishermen (about 200g a day) have low rates of heart disease.

Another study, by the Leiden University of the Netherlands, has found that men who ate more than 30g of fish per day were less than half as likely to die from coronary heart disease as those who ate no fish. A diet high in fish lowers plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein levels and is of value in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia (abnormally high concentration of fats in the blood).

Indicated: Magnesium-containing foods, lecithin, Evening Primrose oil for gamma linoleic acid which is converted into prostaglandin E1 in the body and helps reduce high blood pressure and prevents platelet clumping. Coffee carries a risk factor and should be taken sparingly – alternatives: herbal teas Rutin, Lime flowers and others as available in bulk or tea-bags. Green grapes.

Supplements, daily: Vitamin C 1g; Vitamin E 400iu; Magnesium 300mg – 450mg for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Iodine. Chromium, Selenium. Garlic tablets/capsules – 2-3 at night.

Flora margarine is high in essential polyunsaturated fats – made from sunflower seed oil. Hay diet: good results reported. ... diet - heart and circulation

Oenothera biennis L. German: Echte Nachtkerze. French: Onagre. Italian: Stella di sera. Keynote: Prostaglandin precursor. Unrefined oil is expressed from the seeds that yield gamma linolenic acid and an essential fatty acid. Whole plant is edible.

Action. Anticoagulant, nutritive, demulcent, anti-eczema. Reduces blood clotting time, which is of value for thrombosis. A precursor of Prostaglandin E1 which inhibits abnormal cell proliferation and reduces blood pressure. Reduces serum cholesterol levels. Externally: to protect moisture balance of the skin.

Use s. Stops platelet-clumping. Dilates coronary arteries and removes obstructions. Intermittent claudication. Raynaud’s disease. Said to slow down the progress of multiple sclerosis. Pre-menstrual tension and breast pain. Said to arrest rheumatoid arthritis in moderate cases. Prevention of liver damage. Dry scaly skin disorders; eczema, acne (with zinc). Soft brittle finger nails. Abnormal tear production. Hyperactive children. Mental depression. Diabetic retinitis. To allay the ageing process. Alleviates hangovers. Alcohol habit. Pruritus. Combined with Vitamin E which acts as a protective antioxidant. Trials have shown that the oil has significantly improved sensory function: muscle weakness, arm tendon reflex and numbness – which signs may be reversed in diabetes.

Preparations: “Efamol” 500: comprising 500mg Evening Primrose oil; 10mg natural Vitamin E. 4-6 capsules daily depending on requirement, for 6-8 weeks.

To maintain EFA and GLA levels. “Efamol” 250: comprising 250mg Evening Primrose oil; 200mg Safflower oil; 50mg Linseed oil; 10mg Vitamin E. 3-4 capsules daily, regularly.

Vitamins B6 and C; and minerals Magnesium and Zinc assist its action. Features in a wide range of cosmetic products as a moisturiser.

Poultice: leaves and flowers for abscesses, boils, etc.

Not given in epilepsy. ... evening primrose

n. a genus of Gram-negative aerobic spherical or rodlike parasitic bacteria responsible for *brucellosis (undulant fever) in humans and contagious abortion in cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. The principal species are B. abortus and B. melitensis. Brucella ring test is a diagnostic test for brucellosis involving the clumping together of a standard Brucella strain by antibodies in an infected person’s serum.... brucella

n. the clumping of red blood cells (see agglutination). It is caused by an antibody–antigen reaction or some viruses and other substances.... haemagglutination

(leukostasis) n. abnormal leucocyte aggregation and clumping associated with a very high white blood cell count, often seen in *leukaemia patients. The brain and lungs are the two most commonly affected organs.... leucostasis

n. the misleading appearance of clumping that occurs during an antiserum-antigen test as a result of incorrect temperature or acidity of the solutions used.... pseudoagglutination

Allium sativum L. German: Knoblauch. French: Ail. Italian: Aglio. Arabic: Som. Indian: Lashuna. Chinese: Swan. Iranian: Sir. Malayan: Bawang puteh. Bulb. Contains allicin, amino acids; iodine, selenium, sulphur and other minerals. Pliny, of ancient Rome, advised Garlic for more than 60 different health problems. A valued medicament to the civilisations of China, Egypt, Chaldea and Greece. Constituents: volatile oils, B group vitamins, minerals.

Action: antibiotic, bacteriostatic, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, anti-carcinogen, antispasmodic, antiseptic, fungicide, anti-thrombic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, hypoglycaemia, hypotensor, expectorant, anthelmintic. A wide range of anti-infection activity reported. Hypolipidaemic. Non-sedating antihistamine. Anticoagulant – reduces blood platelet clumping, raises HDL. Lowers total cholesterol after a fatty meal in normal subjects. As a vasodilator tends to reduce blood pressure. Bacteria do not become resistant to it. (Dr Stephen Fulder) Detoxifier.

Uses: Prevents build-up of cholesterol in the blood. Lowers a too high blood pressure and raises one too low. Beneficial in thrombosis and arteriosclerosis.

“Helps clear fat accumulating in blood vessels, reducing the tendency to heart disease: also can drastically reduce the level of sugar in the blood, which could help diabetics.” (Lancet i 607, 1979)

Bronchitis (loosening phlegm), asthma, cough, whooping cough and as a preventative of influenza and colds. Sinusitis; catarrh of the stomach, throat and nose. Catarrhal discharge from the eyes returning every night; catarrhal deafness. Intestinal worms. To stimulate bile for digestion of fats. Mucous colitis, allergies including hay fever, ear infections, paroxysmal sneezing, candida and some other fungus infections, vaginal trichomoniasis.

“Anti-tumour activity reported.” (Y. Kimura and K. Yamamoto, Gann, 55, 325 (1964); Chem. Abstra, 63, 1089d 919650)

The therapeutically active ingredients of Garlic are the smelly ones. Deodorised Garlic has not the efficacy of the odoriferous. (Dr Stephen Fulder, JAM Feb. 1986) Chewed Parsley may mask the odour of Garlic on the breath.

Preparations: Fresh clove: eaten at meals.

Fresh juice: half-1 teaspoon in honey or water.

Capsules: one before meals or three at night to prevent infection.

Powder: 300mg capsules; 5-10 capsules twice daily during meals.

Tincture BHP (1983): 1:5 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose, 2-4ml in water.

Compress: mashed clove or oil on suitable material.

Ear or nasal drops: pierce Garlic capsule and squeeze oil into ear or nose for infection. Notes. Source of the important trace element, Germanium. Combines well with Echinacea. ... garlic

Maidenhair tree. Ginkgo biloba. Sole survivor of its own genus. Seeds, leaves.

Keynotes: brain and lungs.

Constituents: terpenes, tannins, lignans, flavonoids, and gingkolide B which is a platelet activating factor (PAF).

Action: nutritive, tuberculostatic. A compound (BN 52021) from the tree antagonises bronchospasm and tends to resolve breathing difficulties. Circulatory stimulant. Increases brain blood flow, Peripheral vasodilator, Energy enhancer. (JAM, Vol 6, No 2)

Uses: Respiratory complaints, especially asthma. Inhibits platelet clumping: of value in coronary artery disease. Tinnitus. Intermittent claudication. Raynaud’s disease. Thrombosis. Cold hands and feet. Spontaneous bruising. Early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Cerebral insufficiency in old age. Varicose veins. Some antitumor activity against sarcoma in mice recorded. Piles. Temporal arteritis. Cramp in the calves – walking-distance increased. Tired brain, impaired memory. Coronary artery disease. Hearing loss, depression, vertigo, headache. To increase resistance to adverse environmental factors. Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME). Subclinical neurosis. Headache. Depression. Impaired mental ability. Hangover. Preparations. Thrice daily. Large doses may be required.

Tea (leaves). 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup of water gently simmered 5 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup. Tablets/capsules. 250mg. Maintenance dose: one tablet or capsule increasing to two in acute cases. Chinese Medicine. “Seeds moisten the lungs, stop coughing, and strengthen the body.”

“I have seen a reduction in severity and frequency of asthma attacks and a marked reduction in use of brocho-dilating drugs by the use of Ginkgo.” (Brown D., Phytotherapy Review and Commentary, Townsend Letter to Doctors, October 1990 pp648-9)

German medicine. No drug interactions and very low levels of side-effects. Important remedy to the German Health Service at a cost of 286 million DM in 1989. (Kleijnen J. & Knipschild P. The Lancet 1992, 340, Nov 7)

Tincture. 2 tsp a.m. and p.m. ... ginkgo

Presence in the blood of excess lipids (fatty substances) including cholesterol, often a forerunner of arterial disease, coronary thrombosis, strokes. Related to diabetes and heart disease. There is an inherited form giving rise to family history of coronary disease at an early age.

Causes. Diet of too much animal fat, smoking, overweight, little exercise.

Symptoms. Same as those for ischaemic heart disease, acute pancreatitis, indigestion, abdominal pain. Alternatives. Hawthorn berries, Lime flowers, Goat’s Rue. Garlic – raw bulb with salads or 2-3 capsules at night. Herb Purslane (Portulaca oleracae): rich in EFA’s (essential fatty acids) in general, and EPA in particular.

Garlic powder significantly reduces serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hyperlipidaemia. (German Association of General Practitioners, Study Group on Phytotherapy)

Guar gum. Lowers serum fat levels, body weight and blood pressure: see entry. Add Hawthorn for angina; Goat’s Rue for diabetes; Ispaghula seeds (Regulan) for intestinal and bowel health and to reduce blood-fats.

Fenugreek seeds. Lowers blood cholesterol levels in healthy people and in diabetics. Contain galacto- mannan which aids fat digestion.

Diet. Low fat. High-complex carbohydrate diet. Sugar and refined starches raise but Oats and Bran lower cholesterol levels. High levels reduced by oleic acid (Olive oil). French research workers claim three apples a day can lower plasma and liver cholesterol levels by as much as 30 per cent. The effect is believed to be due to vegetable fibre, especially pectin. Those who stopped eating their three apples after the trial showed a return to higher levels. Replace unsaturated with vegetable polyunsaturated fats. Two or three fatty fish meals weekly to prevent clumping of platelets. Linseed, Grape juice, Artichokes. See entry – OILY FISH.

Supplement: Nicotinic acid.

Stop smoking. Limit intake of alcohol. ... hyperlipidaemia

(clumping) n. the sticking together, by serum antibodies called agglutinins, of such microscopic antigenic particles as red blood cells or bacteria so that they form visible clumps. Any substance that stimulates the body to produce an agglutinin is called an agglutinogen. Agglutination is a specific reaction; in the laboratory, sera containing different known agglutinins provide an invaluable means of identifying unknown bacteria. When blood of different groups is mixed, agglutination occurs because serum contains natural antibodies (isoagglutinins) that attack red cells of a foreign group, whether previously encountered or not. This is not the same process as occurs in *blood coagulation.... agglutination