Increased Blood Clotting—Thrombosis/Embolism

Considering that blood loss is energetically very costly, it becomes understandable that blood clotting must function well after wounds and injuries. Typical activation factors of clotting are the hormones of the sympathetic nervous system (noradrenaline, adrenaline) and immune messengers such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6. Increased blood clotting is extremely useful for fight and flight reactions, but also for inflammatory situations in the context of local infections. However, in the case of chronic inflammation, this program can be unfavorable, as it promotes the risk of thrombosis and embolism. During aging, the stress axes are also active, the inflammatory situation is slightly increased, and the inner wall of the vessel can be damaged. All three factors promote the formation of thrombosis and the occurrence of embolisms in old age.