CBS.com; CBS All Access; CBS News; CBSN; Watching Live TV. All Access Live TV; TV Provider
Thick blood may also be caused by the presence of harmful pathogens such as fungi, viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These pathogens can actually activate a coagulation response in the body as a way to avoid being attacked by the bodyâs immune system.
An excess of platelets can cause excessive clotting or sometimes bleeding if the platelets are not functioning properly. However, people with too many platelets often have no signs or symptoms, so the condition may be found only when a platelet count is done as part of a health check or for other reasons.