Blood viscosity is the key hemodynamic parameter used in a field of science called hemorheology, which is derived from the Greek words meaning “study of blood flow.” Depending on the person, hyperviscosity can cause a range of different disorders and symptoms. When microvascular perfusion is impaired, patients may experience neurologic or ocular dysfunction, joint pain, or organ congestion. In large arteries, hyperviscosity injures the endothelial wall and triggers the inflammatory response which results in plaque growth and rupture. Consideration of blood viscosity is an important part of any comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health and critical to the prevention of diseases caused by poor perfusion or microvascular ischemia.
- High quality, advanced clinical blood viscometers
- State-of-the-art assay uses time-of-flow in calibrated tubes
- Calibrated glass capillary ensures precision
- Quick turnaround time
- Reproducible laboratory processes that ensure efficiency from the time the sample is received to the time the result is reported
- Individualized consultations and guidelines
- Easy pre-paid specimen shipping by UPS
It is estimated that about 60 million Americans suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Despite numerous advances in medical research and technology, cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death in the U.S. The blockages (or atherosclerotic plaques) responsible for cardiovascular diseases are found only certain arteries, specifically, the large arteries that are close to the heart, feeding the heart and brain. This fact has made it clear for many decades that the root cause of cardiovascular diseases is biophysical and not strictly biochemical or genetic.
Until now, the viscosity testing that has been commercially available has been of limited utility. The methodology used in these older methods employs an industrial viscometer designed for measuring the viscosity of house paint or engine oil and reports only systolic blood viscosity, supplying only half of the picture.
