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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.
Peripheral artery disease and high blood pressure. If high blood pressure is left untreated for a long time, it can put extra strain on the arteries in your arms and legs and may cause the blood vessels in the legs to narrow, causing painful cramps. High blood pressure can cause your arteries to become more narrow. They can also damage the arteries, and fatty deposits can build up around the areas of damage. These deposits make the arteries narrower still and this results in poor circulation in the legs and feet. These problems are known as peripheral artery disease (PAD)