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Published on: Apr 28, 2020
4 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Strokes In The Young And How COVID Causing Clotting Disorders?

Strokes in the young and healthy: how is COVID causing clotting disorders?

In the news, there has been a rush in stories linking Strokes in young and healthy patients, patients who also have COIVD-19. This is certainly worrying news, and at first glance, it is difficult to explain. How does a respiratory virus, one that is very similar to the coronavirus responsible for the common cold, cause such serious issues in a completely unrelated organ system? In this two-part series we will first go over the basics of clotting and its function, how clotting can cause problems, and finally how COVID can lead to clotting disorders.

STROKES

Before we progress, if you or a family member are having any of the following symptoms, contact your local emergency services immediately. Strokes can be devastating, and treatment needs to be given as soon as possible to save as much of the brain as we can. Early recognition can be the difference between manageable long term effects and crippling disability.

Remember, act F.A.S.T

Facial Droop on one side
Arm or hand on one side feels numb or weak with reduced power (same in one leg)
Slurred speech making it difficult to understand
Time to phone an ambulance

Other symptoms can include sudden loss in balance, sudden loss in vision in one eye, problems swallowing, and more.

PLUGGING A HOLE

We have an intricate network of vessels to transport oxygen, nutrients, and signals to cells and organs across our bodies. Damage to these blood vessels causes blood loss, reduction in oxygen and nutrient delivery to these cells, and organ damage if the issue isn’t rectified. Failure in multiple organ systems across the body will eventually lead to death. Our blood has cells and proteins that work together to form a clot at the site of injury. This acts as a plug to physically stop the leak, but also encourages repair of the blood vessel and surrounding tissue.

A clot can be triggered in three different ways: blood stasis (pooling up in one area), exposure of blood vessel lining, and pro-coagulant factors released into the blood. When triggered a coagulation cascade occurs to form the building blocks of a clot – it works so well that even a small trigger can create a response big enough to repair the damage. These form a mesh trapping platelets and other blood cells into a plug. Immune cells also arrive to destroy any organisms that might enter from the trauma site that caused the injury, and these immune cells also instruct nearby cells to begin the repair process.

As with everything in our body the whole process is very tightly regulated. The cascade has triggers and accelerators, but it also has brakes. These brakes stop a clot from growing too big, or from clots forming spontaneously when they are not needed. They also help dissolve a clot once the vessel is repaired and it isn’t needed.

WHEN IT GOES WRONG

Heart attacks and strokes. These devastating cardiovascular diseases are well recognized by the public as a leading cause of disability and death. Both can be caused by abnormal clotting. How does our finely tuned clotting cascade turn abnormal? Let's go back to the three triggers of blood clotting.

Vessel damage: Eating a high fat and cholesterol diet can cause fatty plaques to build up in our arteries. This is known as atherosclerosis, and it is extremely common. The plaques can narrow your arteries and reduce blood flow. If this happens in your coronary arteries supplying your heart muscles, your heart might not receive enough oxygen when you exercise or exert yourself. This can cause chest pain, known as angina.

If the plaques burst open it can expose the vessel lining, causing a large clot to form. This clot can become dislodged and be carried away by the blood. It will eventually get lodged in a narrow artery, blocking it and stopping blood from entering. The tissue and cells supplied by that artery will not receive oxygen and eventually die. If this happens in the coronary arteries it can cause a heart attack. In the arteries supplying the brain, it can cause a stroke, leading to neurological deficits.

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LEARNING POINT, and this is why a healthy diet low in fat and sugars is so important.

Stasis: Our heart pumps blood at high pressures through the arteries. But in the veins, there is very little pressure to drive the blood back to the heart. In our arms and head, gravity helps blood flow down to the heart. But from our legs? When we walk the muscles in our legs squeeze the veins and move the blood. Valves make sure this flow is only one way, back to the heart.

If we sit or lie down in one place and don’t move, the blood isn’t pumped back and pools up in our legs, causing a clot to form. This usually happens in our calves (known as a DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS, or DVT). The calf becomes swollen, painful, red, and hot. If this clot is dislodged, it can end up in our lungs causing a PULMONARY EMBOLISM. A large PE can block blood from entering the lungs and can be fatal. This is why you should take regular walks on long haul flights, to prevent blood from pooling.

Pro-coagulant: Sometimes the factors in our blood responsible for triggering a clot can be triggered accidentally. Cigarette smoke contains many toxins and harmful chemicals that, when inhaled, end up in your blood. These chemicals can cause damage to vessel linings, and also cause the clotting cascade to be triggered more easily. Some medications, such as the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, also have a similar effect, though the risk of getting a clot is still very low.

The immune system can also trigger a clot. The protein mesh formed in the blood can also capture bacteria and viruses around an infection site, making it easier for immune cells to find and destroy these invading organisms. In cancer patients, this process is sometimes triggered by unregulated cancer cells.

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNT?

Our clotting system stops us from bleeding to death from a small wound. People who have bleeding disorders are clear examples and need to be extremely careful if they injure themselves. But unregulated, our body can end up harming itself. If there is one thing you should take away from this, it is that a high sugar/high-fat diet with little exercise can directly increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is why doctors emphasize so much the importance of a good diet and exercise.

In our next blog, we will look at how this clotting problem is implicated in COVID patients.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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Masseuse Visits: How Monthly Stress Relief Camps Improve Workplace Well-Being

Stress has become one of the most common health challenges of modern life. Long working hours, screen exposure, sedentary routines and emotional pressures create a constant state of physical and mental tension. Over time, this stress accumulates and begins to affect sleep, productivity, immunity and emotional stability. This is why masseuse visits through monthly stress relief camps are emerging as a valuable wellness intervention.

These camps are not about luxury or indulgence. They are structured, preventive wellness initiatives designed to help people relax, reset and restore balance in their bodies and minds.

Why Stress Needs Structured Management

Stress is not always visible, but its impact is real.

Chronic stress contributes to:

muscle tension and body pain
headaches and migraines
anxiety and irritability
sleep disturbances
weakened immunity

According to WHO, unmanaged stress is a significant risk factor for both physical and mental health disorders.

What Are Monthly Stress Relief Camps?

Monthly stress relief camps are organised wellness sessions that focus on relaxation-based therapies. Massage visits form a central component of these camps, where trained therapists provide structured massage sessions aimed at relieving physical tension and calming the nervous system.

These camps typically include:

short therapeutic massage sessions
guided relaxation techniques
posture awareness
breathing exercises

They are designed to be accessible, time-efficient and safe.

How Massage Therapy Reduces Stress

Massage works through multiple biological pathways.

Nervous System Regulation

Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and recovery. This helps:

lower heart rate
reduce blood pressure
calm the mind

Reduction of Stress Hormones

Studies show massage lowers cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone.

Lower cortisol is linked to:

improved mood
better sleep
enhanced immune response

Muscle Relaxation

Long hours of sitting or standing cause muscle stiffness.

Massage helps by:

improving blood flow
releasing muscle knots
reducing stiffness

This improves physical comfort.

Mental Health Benefits of Masseuse Visits

Mental health is closely tied to physical relaxation.

Regular massage sessions:

reduce anxiety
promote calmness
improve emotional stability
enhance overall mood

Lancet research highlights the role of physical relaxation techniques in supporting mental health outcomes.

Why Monthly Frequency Matters

One-time relaxation is not enough.

Monthly camps:

provide consistent relief
prevent stress buildup
encourage routine self-care

Consistency is the foundation of preventive wellness.

Who Benefits from Stress Relief Camps?

These camps benefit:

working professionals
caregivers
students
frontline workers
individuals with sedentary lifestyles

Anyone experiencing chronic stress can benefit.

Workplace Impact of Stress

Workplace stress affects both individuals and organisations.

It leads to:

reduced productivity
burnout
absenteeism
poor job satisfaction

NITI Aayog reports emphasize the need for preventive wellness initiatives at workplaces.

How Masseuse Visits Improve Workplace Wellness

Enhanced Focus and Productivity

Relaxed muscles and a calm mind improve concentration.

Reduced Musculoskeletal Pain

Massage addresses:

neck pain
shoulder tension
lower back discomfort

Common in desk-based roles.

Better Sleep Quality

Stress relief improves sleep, which further enhances mental clarity.

Positive Workplace Culture

Wellness initiatives show employees that their health matters.

Physical Health Benefits Beyond Relaxation

Massage therapy improves:

circulation
lymphatic drainage
joint mobility
posture awareness

These benefits reduce long-term health risks.

Safety and Professional Standards

Masseuse visits in stress relief camps should:

use trained professionals
follow hygiene protocols
offer non-invasive techniques
respect personal boundaries

Safety and dignity are essential.

Integration with Preventive Healthcare

Stress relief camps complement:

health screenings
mental health counseling
nutrition programs
fitness initiatives

They form part of a holistic wellness ecosystem.

How Monthly Camps Encourage Self-Care

Many people ignore early stress signals.

Regular wellness camps:

normalize self-care
promote early intervention
reduce stigma around mental health

This proactive approach prevents burnout.

Measuring the Impact of Stress Relief Camps

Impact can be assessed through:

stress level surveys
absenteeism rates
employee feedback
productivity metrics

Data helps refine future programs.

Long-Term Value of Stress Relief Programs

Over time, organisations notice:

improved morale
reduced healthcare costs
higher engagement
stronger loyalty

Preventive care always costs less than treatment.

Common Myths About Massage-Based Wellness

Myth: Massage is only for luxury

Reality: It is a validated stress management technique.

Myth: It is temporary relief

Reality: Regular sessions offer cumulative benefits.

Myth: Only physical benefits exist

Reality: Mental and emotional benefits are equally important.

Why Holistic Stress Management Matters

Stress affects:

hormones
digestion
immunity
sleep
emotional regulation

Addressing it holistically leads to lasting improvement.

Conclusion

Masseuse visits through monthly stress relief camps offer far more than temporary relaxation. They represent a structured, preventive approach to managing stress, enhancing mental well-being and supporting physical health. In a world where burnout is becoming increasingly common, consistent wellness interventions help individuals reset, recharge and regain balance. By investing in regular stress relief programs, communities and organisations build healthier, happier and more resilient individuals.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Stress and Mental Health Reports
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle and Stress Research
NITI Aayog – Workplace Wellness and Preventive Healthcare Reports
Lancet – Stress, Burnout and Mental Health Studies
Statista – Global Workplace Wellness Trends
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Reports

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