Abnormal blood viscosity, particularly an increase known as hyperviscosity, is linked to several serious diseases and conditions affecting the blood, immune system, and other bodily functions.
Diseases Associated with Hyperviscosity
Hyperviscosity syndrome is a condition caused by abnormally thick blood, which can impede blood flow to organs and tissues. This increased thickness can be due to an excess of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, or proteins in the blood. Various underlying diseases and conditions contribute to the development of hyperviscosity syndrome.
The diseases and conditions associated with elevated blood viscosity (hyperviscosity) include:
| Disease/Condition | Association with Blood Viscosity |
|---|---|
| Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) | A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow, often leading to a high count of immature white blood cells that can increase blood viscosity. |
| Chronic Hypoxia | A long-term lack of sufficient oxygen in the tissues, which can stimulate increased red blood cell production, thereby thickening the blood. |
| Connective Tissue Diseases | Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause systemic inflammation and affect blood components, contributing to increased viscosity. |
| Cryoglobulinemia | Characterized by the presence of cryoglobulins, abnormal proteins in the blood that clump together at low temperatures, significantly increasing blood thickness. |
| Essential Thrombocythemia | A myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the overproduction of blood platelets, leading to an excessive platelet count and increased blood viscosity. |
| Leukemia | A group of blood cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia, that can cause an abnormal increase in white blood cells, directly contributing to elevated blood viscosity. |
| Multiple Myeloma | A cancer of plasma cells, which produces abnormal antibodies (paraproteins) that can greatly increase the protein content and thickness of the blood. |
| Paraneoplastic Syndromes | Rare disorders triggered by an immune response to a cancerous tumor (often remote from the tumor), which can sometimes lead to conditions affecting blood components and overall viscosity. |
These conditions highlight the complex interplay between blood components and overall systemic health, where disruptions can lead to significant changes in blood viscosity and subsequent health complications.
