Distribution of blood viscosity values and biochemical correlates in healthy adults.
Increase in the viscosity of blood predict clinical manifestation of atherothrombotic vascular disease. The clinical utility of viscosity measurements in cardiovascular risk factor requires a reference value established from a healthy disease free population. Blood viscosity (based on empirical Merill's formula), fibrinogen, haematocrit and lipid profile were measured in 100 fasting healthy nonsmoking adults (50 men, 50 women). The mean (+/- SD) blood viscosity values were 0.030 +/- 0.015 dyne/cm2. Men had higher viscosity values than women. Also, men had higher triglycerides, haematocrit as well as fibrinogen as compared to women. This study provides reference values for the blood viscosity, fibrinogen haematocrit and lipid profile. Viscosity measurements may improve identification and risk stratification of patients at high risk for atherothrombotic vascular disease and its complications.