Question

How does viscosity affect blood pressure?

Answer 1

Blood viscosity:

1. It determines the thickness of blood.
2. Blood viscosity is dependent on the plasma proteins and formed elements.
3. Blood is a viscous and sticky fluid.
4. The viscosity of blood is five times more than water.
5. Viscosity of blood has a drastic effect on the flow and pressure of blood.
6. More viscous blood offers more resistance to the flow, and thus blood flow is reduced due to the increase in total peripheral resistance (TPR).
7. Hence, this also increases the pressure of the blood.
8. Conversely, the blood flow and perfusion increase upon the decrease in blood viscosity.