Blood thickness, also known as blood viscosity, refers to the resistance of blood to flow. This property is determined by components within the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma proteins. Blood viscosity directly influences how easily blood circulates through vessels, affecting friction against vessel walls and the effort required for the heart to pump blood. Maintaining appropriate blood thickness is important as it impacts the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs.
Understanding Normal Blood Thickness
Blood thickness is assessed through measurements like hematocrit and whole blood viscosity. Hematocrit indicates the percentage of red blood cells in your total blood volume, a key factor in blood viscosity. For men, a typical hematocrit level is around 42%, while for women, it is approximately 38%.
Whole blood viscosity measures how blood flows and is influenced by factors beyond red blood cell count, including red blood cell flexibility, aggregation, and plasma viscosity. While not summarized by a single value due to its non-Newtonian behavior, general ranges are often cited. Values between 3.5 and 5.5 centipoise (cP) are considered typical. These measurements provide a guideline, though individual ranges may vary based on laboratory methods and individual health.
Factors Influencing Blood Thickness
Various factors can lead to blood becoming either too thick (hyperviscosity) or too thin (hypoviscosity). Blood may thicken due to an irregularly high level of any blood component, including red blood cells, white blood cells, or blood proteins. Dehydration is a common cause of increased plasma viscosity, which contributes to overall blood thickness.
Certain medical conditions also influence blood thickness. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disorder, causes the body to produce too many red blood cells, significantly thickening the blood. Other conditions like multiple myeloma and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia lead to an overproduction of immunoglobulins or white blood cells, making the blood excessively thick. Connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, chronic hypoxia, and certain cancers like leukemia can also contribute to hyperviscosity.
Conversely, blood can become too thin due to conditions like anemia, which involves low red blood cell count, or thrombocytopenia, characterized by low platelet levels. Liver disease can impair the production of clotting factors, while anticoagulant medications prescribed to prevent clots can also lead to thinner blood.
Health Implications of Abnormal Thickness
When blood thickness falls outside the normal range, it can lead to various health consequences. If blood is too thick, known as hyperviscosity syndrome, it flows more slowly, hindering the transport of oxygen and nutrients to cells. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, and shortness of breath. Serious complications arise from the increased risk of blood clots (thrombosis), which can lead to heart attack, stroke, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Reduced blood flow can also impair organ perfusion and, in children, affect growth and development.
Conversely, if blood is too thin, it can lead to problems with clotting and wound healing. Symptoms may include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, nosebleeds, or abnormally heavy menstrual flow. In more severe cases, thin blood can result in internal bleeding, which may be indicated by blood in urine or stool. While mild cases of thin blood may not present noticeable symptoms, very low platelet levels can lead to serious complications.
Strategies for Maintaining Healthy Blood Thickness
Maintaining healthy blood thickness involves wellness practices. Staying hydrated is important, as dehydration increases plasma viscosity and overall blood thickness. A balanced diet, rich in fresh produce, herbs like turmeric and ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in cold-water ocean fish), supports healthy blood rheology. Regular physical activity also contributes to better blood flow and helps keep blood thinner.
Regular medical check-ups are important for monitoring blood thickness and addressing any underlying conditions. Doctors may prescribe medications like antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants to manage blood thickness if a person is at risk for or has developed blood clots. For conditions causing excessively thick blood, treatments such as phlebotomy, which involves removing a controlled amount of blood, may be recommended. All medical interventions should be guided by a healthcare professional.