Functions of Platelets in the human body?

For the effective diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions, it is extremely essential that we are able to properly gauge the nature of the functioning of the human body system and it's various constituents and components. This study has indeed got a very vast scope which is explored by the various branches of medical science. Here, in this article, we shall discuss about one such aspect of the human physiology in the form of platelets so that people are made aware of it's different functions and the importance of keeping their platelet count within the normal range is brought home to them and also to inform them about the steps that they ought to take in this regard. But at first, let us get acquainted with the meaning of platelets.

What actually are these Platelets?? 

Extremely minuscule cells which are present in significantly large quantities in our bloodstream and which do not have any specific colour or even a definite nucleus as such unlike other normal cells in the human body and always come in the form or shape of a disc are called platelets. The main function of these platelets is to assist the body in forming blood clots so that excessive bleeding can be prevented. If the platelets were not there to perform this crucial function, then our bodies would have been exposed to serious damage that can be caused by uncontrolled loss of blood and can even result in the death of the patient. Now, the range of the standard normal platelet count lies between 150,000 to 450,000 platelet cells in a single microliter of human blood. Another name of this blood constituent cell is thrombocytes which literally translates as "blood clot cell".

Not yet aware of the vital role that platelets cells play in your body?? Interested in knowing more about this? Find out the necessary details below:

More detailed information regarding the various functions of platelet cells in our body and what are the implications of abnormal platelet counts and the ways in which one can maintain a normal range of platelets in their blood are discussed as follows:

Platelets constitute an extremely tiny percentage of your red blood cells and the total volume of your blood due to their microscopic size. As mentioned earlier, the primary role of platelets is to stop excessive blood loss from your body in the form of uncontrolled bleeding due to injuries or some other cause.

These cells are the tiniest of all our blood cells and can never be visualized with our naked eyes. When due to an external injury or some other reason or factor one of your blood vessels are ruptured or broken in any manner, then it gives out a warning sign to your body which are recognized by your platelets. To safeguard your body, these platelets will then react by assembling in the affected or damaged region and activating themselves. They then elongate and extend themselves by forming a number of tentacle-shaped offshoots and reach your damaged blood vessel in order to effectively repair it by way of forming blood clots and stopping any further bleeding from happening.

Platelets are really not exact cells to be precise but mere flowing fragments of your cells. They are composed of essential proteins, granules etc that help in preventing excessive bleeding. The proteins in your platelets enables them to attach themselves to the ruptured points in the walls of your blood vessels  and keep themselves glued with one another and the granules discharge essential proteins which help in the formation of a solid blockage medium which helps to close the gaps or rupture points in your blood vessels and yet other proteins present in these cell fragments help them to alter their appearance or shape if and when they get too  clammy.

These cell fragments are not  only the tiniest in terms of size but also the least heavy in terms of mass of all the blood cells present in your body. This makes it very easy for them to eject themselves right from the middle of your bloodstream into the walls of your blood vessels. The area around the walls of your blood vessels are filled with a particular type of cells whose surface is such that nothing can remain attached to it except when your body suffers from an external injury resulting in bleeding. Then the layer of these protective cells are ruptured or broken and the protective fibers around your blood vessels become exposed to the blood which flows rapidly in the form of a red fluid. The platelets revolve along the surface area of the walls of your blood vessels and swing into action whenever there is a bruise or a cut resulting in bleeding before all your other blood cells. The sturdy protective fibers around the walls of your blood vessels have a magnetic stimulating effect on your platelets which alter their form and after that create a cluster around these protective fibers, thus building the medium which closes the gap in the blood vessels due to the injuries and stops bleeding via the injured blood vessel.

Normal platelet functions can be hindered by the medicine known as aspirin as it comes in the way of the action of platelets which enables them to attach themselves with each other to the walls of your blood vessels. This can be used for heart patients as the blood clotting caused due to platelets can hinder the flow of the blood to their hearts and aggravate their chances of succumbing to medical conditions such as heart attacks. But if you are prone to frequent and excessive bleeding or suffer from a severe platelet shortage and immensely require each and every platelet cell for the optimum functioning of your body, then never ever take this medicine as it can turn out to be fatal for you.

Cases of abnoramally high levels of platelets in the blood are due to excessive production of these cells by your bone marrow and can make you more prone to blood clots etc, but in most of the cases no significant health anomalies are usually noticed. These conditions are also not quite common and may also result from various ailments like cancer, anemia etc. Patients suffering from this condition have severe blood clots all over their bodies and if they do not receive timely medical attention, then they can be at a serious risk of major cardiac problems. If the case is too serious, then a medical procedure is performed by which the platelet count of the patient is reduced through taking out the blood and eliminating the excessive platelets from it before putting the red blood cells back into the patient's bloodstream. If the platelet anomaly is caused by a specific ailment, then the platelet count is lowered by diagnosing and curing that particular medical condition.

But the more common type of platelet disorder is the severe shortage of platelets in the body which is called thrombocytopenia in medical terminology. Patients who suffer from this condition are much more prone to be afflicted with injuries and cuts than others and they often bleed profusely from their gums, noses etc. Your body suffers from a platelet shortage when due to some reason it is unable to produce the required number of platelets. The reasons for low platelet counts can range from the unwanted side effects of certain drugs or medicines that you may be taking, a medical condition that you have genetically inherited due to hereditary factors, serious diseases like cancer and treatment for the same in the form of chemotherapy, kidney diseases or malfunctions, substance abuse such as excessive alcohol intake etc. But many a times, you can have a perfectly normal platelet count but still be at risk of suffering from cardiac issues like heart attacks as your platelets may not be functioning properly like for example, if they are too concentrated or attached with each other to act effectively.

Conclusion: 

Most often it is seen that abnormalities in the platelet count are the result of hereditary or genetic factors. Therefore, always make sure to consult an expert doctor and notify him or her about your family medical history in details if any such platelet disorders seem to be inherent in your family.  Even if you apparently do not have any known medical concerns, always check your platelet count through periodic blood tests and if any anomalies are diagnosed then start taking the medicines prescribed by your doctor immediately to keep your platelet count as well as functioning well within the normal range and accepted standards. Medicines like aspirins are mostly used for platelet disorders but your health risks must be evaluated properly to assess exactly what medication and line or course of treatment is most suitable for you. Never use your own personal judgement in this context. Always follow your doctor's advice. Abnormally low platelet counts can be particularly fatal and require urgent medical care in the form of various blood and bone marrow tests or biopsies for correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Treatment options can include avoiding the consumption of all such medicines which can aggravate this condition, treating a specfic ailment that is responsible for this condition, prescribing certain corticosteroid drugs that can help in curing this health problem and if all these turn out to be unsuccessful, then the last option is to conduct surgeries or platelet transfusions in extremely serious cases.

But as we are all aware of, prevention is always far better than any type of cure and so some natural remedies which help in keeping your platelet count normal are of paramount importance here. These can be including certain fruits and vegetables in your diet like spinach, oranges etc which provide the necessary nutrients in the form of vitamins to increase your platelet count and maintain an optimal range of platelets in your bloostream. Also, limit your consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fishes, walnuts, eggs, etc if you suffer from a platelet shortage as these fatty acids can hinder the platelet formation in your blood and so are not recommended for patients with abnormally low platelet counts. Avoid sugary and processed foods like cakes, pastries etc which contain excessive calories but very little nutrients and alcohol as these can be detrimental to your health if you suffer from a platelet shortage or even otherwise. If you are found to be allergic to gluten after testing, then stop consuming foods containing gluten totally as that can also lower your platelet counts further. Get enough exercise and physical activity regularly but be extremely careful not to expose yourself to any form of activities that may lead to interal and external bleeding and increase fatigue as these can make you more prone to injuries in addition to putting you at serious health risks if you have a shortage of blood platelets as your blood will not be able to clot easily and quickly during bleeding. Wear adequate protective clothing and footwear while exercising or engaging in any form of sports and avoid high risk activities if you have a platelet disorder. Never ever take any medicine without your doctor's recommendation and abnormally low platelet levels in the blood can cause excessive tiredness. So you need to get some extra hours of sleep according to your physician's advice and never compromise on your rest periods. Drink lukewarm water and stay adequately hydrated  throughout the day to increase your platelet count. Last, but not the least you must have the right kind of mindset when it comes to treating this condition and get a detailed understanding of platelets and all it's disorders through various sources so that you become fully aware of your current health status and possible future health risks through regular consultation of expert medical personnel and religiously following every bit of their advice, prescriptions and recommendations. Always undergo the necessary treatment  procedures in time and act entirely according to the directions of medical experts and never depend on any unreliable source to solve this problem.

If you have the right kind of knowledge about the medical conditions associated with platelet disorders and initiate timely action according to your doctor's advice, then your health concerns related to this issue can be easily kept at bay. So, if you start showing even the slightest symptom of any kind of platelet disorder do not wait until it gets too late. Always remember that your future life will be the direct result of your present actions. So, when it is a question of your health and well-being, act in time and act fast!! Rest assured, you will be thanking your stars later!!