What causes high blood viscosity

High blood viscosity may be related to genetic factors, dehydration, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, polycythemia and other reasons. High blood viscosity is usually manifested as symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision, which can be improved by adjusting diet, increasing water intake, and medication treatment.

1. Genetic factors

Some populations may experience changes in blood composition due to genetic abnormalities, such as hereditary hyperlipidemia or hereditary spherocytosis, which may lead to increased blood viscosity. This type of situation needs to be diagnosed through genetic testing, and blood indicators need to be monitored regularly. If necessary, drugs such as atorvastatin calcium tablets and fenofibrate capsules should be used under the guidance of a doctor to regulate blood lipids. 2. Dehydration: After prolonged lack of hydration or excessive sweating, the decrease in plasma volume can lead to a relative increase in the proportion of blood cells, resulting in an increase in blood viscosity. Symptoms include thirst and reduced urine output, which can be relieved by timely supplementation of electrolyte water. Severe dehydration requires intravenous fluid replacement treatment. When the levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood are too high, lipid deposition increases blood flow resistance. Often accompanied by symptoms such as xanthoma and macula, it is necessary to limit the intake of animal organs and follow medical advice to use lipid-lowering drugs such as rosuvastatin calcium tablets and ezetimibe tablets.

4. Long term hyperglycemia in diabetes

will lead to the decrease of erythrocyte membrane hardening deformability and the increase of glycosylated proteins in plasma. The patient may experience excessive drinking and urination, slow wound healing, and need to control blood sugar and take medications such as acarbose tablets and metformin hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, in combination with a low glycemic index diet.

5. Hypererythrocytosis

Abnormal bone marrow proliferation or high altitude hypoxia stimulation may lead to abnormal increase in red blood cell count, commonly accompanied by facial flushing and splenomegaly. It is necessary to reduce red blood cell production through bloodletting therapy or medication such as hydroxyurea tablets, while avoiding smoking and exposure to high-altitude environments.

It is recommended that individuals with high blood viscosity drink at least 2000 milliliters of water per day, preferably plain water or light tea, and avoid sugary drinks. Diet should reduce intake of fatty meat and animal oil, and increase intake of foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as deep-sea fish and oats. Engage in 3-5 aerobic exercises such as brisk walking and swimming per week, each lasting for at least 30 minutes. Regularly check blood routine, blood rheology and other indicators, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as persistent headache and chest tightness occur.