Why can high blood viscosity have negative effects? Also, name the medical condition that people can develop with high blood viscosity.
High blood viscosity refers to the thickness or stickiness of blood. When blood becomes more viscous, it resists flowing freely through blood vessels, which can have negative effects on overall health. Here's why:
1. Impaired circulation: High blood viscosity slows down blood flow, making it harder for the blood to reach all parts of the body efficiently. This can lead to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues and organs, hindering their proper functioning.
2. Increased heart workload: Thickened blood requires more force from the heart to pump it throughout the body. Over time, this can cause the heart to work harder, leading to the development of cardiovascular problems such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or, in severe cases, heart failure.
3. Elevated risk of blood clots: High blood viscosity promotes the formation of blood clots. Blood clots can obstruct blood vessels and potentially cause life-threatening conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, or stroke.
The medical condition associated with high blood viscosity is called "hyperviscosity syndrome." It occurs when the blood becomes excessively thick and can result from various underlying causes, such as certain medical conditions like polycythemia vera (overproduction of red blood cells) or hyperproteinemia (increased blood proteins).
It is important to note that diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to high blood viscosity should be done by healthcare professionals, who can perform specific tests and provide appropriate medical guidance.