Although it is commonly accepted that sustained hyperviscosity can decrease perfusion and increase blood pressure, it should be noted that increased blood viscosity has two effects in the cardiovascular system: it may act to increase shear stress on the endothelium and increase NO release, promoting vasodilation as …

Increased viscosity increases the resistance to blood flow and thereby increases the work of the heart and impairs organ perfusion. Some patients with anemia have low hematocrits, and therefore reduced blood viscosities.

An increase in blood viscosity can be caused either by a deformity of the shape of red blood cells (RBCs) which causes RBC aggregation and decreased blood flow or by any pathological elevation of the components of blood. This includes RBC, WBC, platelets, or serum proteins.

The two most important determinants of blood viscosity are the hematocrit and fibrinogen levels. In patients with hematocrits in the range of 47–53%, lowering of the hematocrit by phlebotomy to below 40% can increase cerebral blood flow by as much as 50%.

Effect of temperature on blood viscosity. When blood temperature decreases from 36.5° to 22°C, blood viscosity increases 26.13%. If temperature increases from 36.5° to 39.5°C, blood viscosity decreases 10.38%.

In adults, hyperviscosity syndrome typically causes symptoms when blood viscosity is between 6 and 7, measured relative to saline, but it can be lower. Normal values are usually between 1.6 and 1.9.

The increase in blood cells makes the blood thicker. Thick blood can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage. Symptoms include lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and bruising.

Your doctor may recommend a treatment approach called phlebotomy, where they insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein to remove a certain amount of blood. Several treatments help to remove some of your body’s iron, which can reduce blood production.

Thin blood vs. Thin blood presents problems with clotting, wound-healing, and bruising. On the other hand, thick blood can increase the risk of blood clots and thrombosis, which can be life-threatening.

Read more for additional information on some natural blood thinners.

1. Turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that gives curry dishes a yellow color, and it’s long been used as a folk medicine.
2. Ginger.
3. Cinnamon.
4. Cayenne peppers.
5. Vitamin E.

High salt consumption levels can lead to reduced function of the endothelium, which is the inner lining of blood vessels. Endothelial cells are involved in a number of processes, including blood clotting and immune function. High salt levels can also increase artery stiffness, the researchers said.