D-dimer is a blood test. It does not diagnose a condition on its own, and a raised result needs to be explained by a doctor.
What D-dimer is
D-dimer is a protein fragment that appears in the blood after a clot has formed and begun to break down. Doctors use the test to help identify conditions in which the blood clots more than normal, and to monitor clotting levels.
Raised levels can have many causes, including infection and inflammation, so the result is always read together with your symptoms and other tests.
Why clotting matters
- Deep vein thrombosis: clots in the leg veins, causing pain and swelling
- Pulmonary embolism: a clot that travels to the lungs
- Clots affecting the kidneys, brain or heart can cause serious damage
- Risk factors include inactivity, a diet high in fatty foods and obesity
What we offer
We can see you for a consultation if you would like traditional Chinese medicine alongside your medical care. Please bring your blood test results, and tell us about every medicine you take, especially blood thinners. Never stop or change prescribed medicine without your doctor’s advice.
Healthy habits matter: a balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and moving regularly if you sit for long periods.
How we work
At The Tole, treatment combines neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The Master’s team reviews your history and any medical reports, then recommends acupuncture, herbal preparations, or both. Herbs are prepared for the individual, using natural herbs and the family’s ancestral formulas.
You can walk in during opening hours without an appointment. If you live far away, email your medical reports and we will advise you on herbs and, where suitable, an intensive course of acupuncture. Herbs can be couriered to any country, usually in 3 to 5 working days. See herbs by post.
See a doctor first if
- A swollen, painful or warm leg. Seek medical care urgently
- Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing blood. Call emergency services (999 in Malaysia)
- A raised D-dimer result that your doctor has not yet explained
Traditional Chinese medicine is offered as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care. We do not promise a cure or a particular result, and responses vary from person to person. Please keep your doctor informed about any herbs or treatments you use.