# BLOOD VISCOSITY
Blood viscosity is a measurement of the thickness and stickiness of an individual's blood. It is a direct measure of the ability of blood to flow through the blood vessels. Blood viscosity is correlated with all known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
IN DETAILS
Blood viscosity is a measurement of the thickness and stickiness of an individual's blood. It is a direct measure of the ability of blood to flow through the blood vessels.
Blood measurement determines how much friction the blood causes against the vessels, how hard the heart has to work to pump the blood through the body, and how much oxygen is delivered to organs and tissues. Blood viscosity is correlated with all known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Elevated blood viscosity is a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular events.
The relationship between BP and viscosity is such that, given a constant systolic BP, if blood viscosity increases, then the total peripheral resistance (TPR) will necessarily increase, thereby reducing blood flow.Conversely when viscosity decreases, blood flow and perfusion will increase.
What makes your blood thick or thin?
Blood clots cause problems in the affected organ by cutting off oxygen flow. Thick blood is caused by heavy proteins, or by too much blood in the circulation. Too many red cells, white cells, and platelets will result in blood thickening. Another cause is an imbalance in the blood clotting system.
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