The most common cause of Heat in the Blood is a Heat Pernicious Influence that has invaded the body and agitates the Blood. This results in accelerated blood flow which manifests itself in a rapid pulse, expanded and damaged Blood vessels and often heavy bleeding. The Blood will be fresh red or dark colored.

Note that bleeding episodes aren't always a sign of Blood Heat: it can also be caused by the Qi unable to hold the Blood in its pathways. The Blood will be pale in this case, with prolonged bleeding and heavy loss of Blood.

Blood Stagnation can also cause Heat in the Blood and consequent bleeding. The Blood in this case will be very dark colored with clots.

As usual the symptoms differ somewhat based on which Organs are affected. The most commonly affected Organs for Heat in the Blood are the Heart, the Liver, the Uterus and the Intestines.

If the Heart is affected by Heat in the Blood, this will result in a range of emotional symptoms since Heart houses the Mind (Shen). In that case patients will feel anxious, restless and may suffer from insomnia.

If the Liver is most affected by Blood Heat, then symptoms will tend to be skin-related: patients will feel itchiness and will see read skin eruptions appear.

If Blood Heat affects the Uterus and the Penetrating Vessel, patients can suffer exceedingly heavy periods.

Lastly if Blood Heat affects the Intestines, there will be Blood in the stools.