Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts
                                    Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.

Viscosity

Viscosity is a property of fluid related to the internal friction of adjacent fluid layers sliding past one another (see laminar flow) as well as the friction generated between the fluid and the wall of the vessel. This internal friction contributes to the resistance to flow. The viscosity of plasma is about 1.8-times the viscosity of water (termed relative viscosity) at 37°C and is related to the protein composition of  the plasma. Whole blood has a relative viscosity of 3-4 depending upon hematocrit, temperature, and flow rate.

The viscosity of whole blood is strongly influenced by three factors: hematocrit, temperature and flow as described below.

1. Hematocrit is an important determinant of the viscosity of blood. As hematocrit increases, there is a disproportionate  increase in viscosity (see figure to right). For example, at a hematocrit of 40%, the relative viscosity is 4.  At a hematocrit of 60%, the relative viscosity is about 8. Therefore, a 50% increase in hematocrit from a normal value increases blood viscosity by about 100%. Such changes in hematocrit and blood viscosity occur in a patients with polycythemia.

2. Temperature also has a significant effect on viscosity. As temperature decreases, viscosity increases. Viscosity increases approximate 2% for each °C decrease in temperature. This effect has several implications. For example, when a person's hand is cooled by exposure to a cold environment, the increase in blood viscosity contributes to the decrease in blood flow (along with neural-mediated thermoregulatory mechanisms that constrict the vessels). The use of whole body hypothermia during certain surgical procedures also increases blood viscosity and therefore increases resistance to blood flow.

3. The flow rate of blood also affects viscosity. At very low flow states in the microcirculation, as occurs during circulatory shock, the blood viscosity can increase quite significantly. This occurs because at low flow states there are increased cell-to-cell and protein-to-cell adhesive interactions that can cause erythrocytes to adhere to one another and increase the blood viscosity.

RK Revised 04/10/07

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.

© 1999-2008 Richard E. Klabunde, all rights reserved.