Yet despite this strong correlation, physicians can't currently evaluate blood viscosity at routine office visits. In fact, one study found that increased blood viscosity is a more likely sign of a potential cardiac event than high blood pressure, gender, or smoking. Studies have shown that increased blood viscosity was significantly more prevalent in patients who experienced heart attacks and strokes compared to patients with lower blood viscosity. Thick blood also means organs and tissues receive less oxygen and may cause damage to the lining of blood vessels due to increased friction as blood travels throughout the body.

In the case of blood, higher viscosity may signal potential problems, since the heart needs to work harder to pump sticky blood. Thick or sticky liquids like honey have high viscosity, while thin, watery liquids have low viscosity. Viscosity measures a fluid's resistance to flow. But less attention has been paid to blood viscosity. From heart attacks to strokes, routine blood tests can screen for several types of life-threatening cardiac events. University of Connecticut researchers have developed a device that tests an important indicator of heart health that is often ignored - blood viscosity.īlood can be a window into the health of your heart.ĭoctors are often on the lookout for some common signs that might point to an issue, like abnormal cholesterol levels or high blood pressure. Here they are demonstrating the device, known as a whole blood rheometer. Image: UConn engineering researchers George Lykotrafitis, left, and graduate student Kostyantyn Partola have developed a device to test an important indicator of heart health that is often ignored - blood viscosity.

Blood viscosity tests