Could Blood Thickness Be a New Vital Sign?
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- A new invention from the University of missouri could revolutionize how doctors assess health, possibly adding blood viscosity as a new, crucial vital sign.
- For years, medical professionals have relied on a core set of vital signs - heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and oxygen saturation - to quickly gauge a...
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New Ultrasound Tech Could make Blood Viscosity a Vital Sign
A new invention from the University of missouri could revolutionize how doctors assess health, possibly adding blood viscosity as a new, crucial vital sign.
For years, medical professionals have relied on a core set of vital signs – heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and oxygen saturation – to quickly gauge a patient’s condition. Though, researchers argue that a key element has been consistently overlooked: blood viscosity, or the thickness and stickiness of blood as it flows thru the circulatory system.
The Hidden Role of Blood Viscosity in Health
Viscosity plays a surprisingly notable, yet often hidden, role in overall health. Studies have linked abnormal blood viscosity to six of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and kidney disease.High viscosity can indicate underlying inflammation, dehydration, or other health issues.
Thick,sluggish blood forces the heart to work harder to circulate,increasing the risk of cardiovascular strain. It also elevates the potential for blood clot formation and can contribute to tissue damage due to reduced oxygen delivery. Nilesh Salvi, a research scientist in Mizzou’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources and lead author on the project, explains, “Blood pressure tells us what’s happening to the vessel walls, but it doesn’t tell us about the blood itself. Viscosity could be that missing piece.”
How the Technology Works: Ultrasound and advanced Algorithms
The newly developed device utilizes ultrasound waves to measure blood viscosity in real-time. However, the true innovation lies in its complex software. The system gently vibrates
