Blood rheology:
When a stroke patient or a patient with hypertension, coronary heart disease, or arteriosclerosis comes to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment of disease, doctors often ask the patient to take some venous blood for hemorheological examination to help the doctor analyze the disease more comprehensively. So what is blood rheology test?
The significance of blood rheology examination
Hemorheology is an inspection method to study the flow deformation of human blood and its components. We know that the maintenance of life is inseparable from blood flow, and the normal physiological function and defense ability of the body must have normal blood rheology. Only in this way can we ensure that the organs and tissues get normal blood perfusion, timely supply oxygen and nutrients, discharge metabolites, and make the tissues have a stable internal environment.
The normal hemorheological state, in addition to being closely related to the structure and function of the heart pump and blood vessels, also depends on the rheological properties of the blood itself. If the hemorheological properties are abnormal, it will directly affect the perfusion of tissues, causing tissue ischemia, hypoxia, metabolic disorders, dysfunction, and a series of serious diseases. The hemorheological examination of a stroke patient or other serious cardiovascular patients or arteriosclerosis patients can provide the basis for the occurrence, development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the disease according to the change law of hemorheology, so it is very meaningful.
Blood viscosity
The analysis of blood viscosity is an important part of hemorheology. Blood viscosity is a comprehensive index to measure blood fluidity. Increased blood viscosity can increase blood flow resistance, reduce nutrient blood flow, and oxygen and nutrients cannot be transported to various organ tissues in time. The normal metabolism of tissues is difficult to maintain, which directly affects the organ tissues to complete their physiological functions. At present, the medical community has a better understanding of the factors affecting blood viscosity and the changes of blood viscosity in stroke, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and other diseases, so it can play a guiding role in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.
Blood cell deformability
The observation of blood cell deformability is also one of the main contents of blood rheology examination. The deformation of red blood cells is a necessary condition to ensure the effective perfusion of microcirculation, and is the basis of Hemorheology in microvessels. At present, the research on erythrocyte deformability is more in-depth. The combination of erythrocyte membrane, hemoglobin molecular structure and erythrocyte deformability function, combined with clinical manifestations, has provided data for elucidating the pathogenesis of some diseases.
The study of thrombosis has always been a topic of concern. As early as 100 years ago, scholars have proposed that blood composition, blood flow status and changes in the vessel wall are the three factors of thrombosis. At present, we have not only noticed the influence of changes in platelet aggregation rate and coagulation factors on thrombosis, but also the relationship between blood flow status, vascular endothelial function status, blood viscosity, red blood cells and thrombosis, which is also an important content of Hemorheology research.
Stroke is divided into two types, ischemic and hemorrhagic. Its treatment principles and methods are completely different. In clinic, we can identify it by hemorheological examination, that is, the whole blood and plasma viscosity of patients with ischemic stroke are significantly increased, while the blood viscosity of patients with hemorrhagic stroke is often decreased.
In the United States, blood rheology examinations can be performed in various medical settings, including hospitals, specialized clinics, and research institutions.
Here are some common places where you might undergo such a test:
- Hospitals: Many hospitals have laboratories that are equipped to perform blood rheology tests. These tests may be ordered by physicians to help diagnose or monitor certain medical conditions.
- Medical Research Institutions: Universities and independent research institutions often have the facilities to conduct blood rheology examinations, particularly if they are involved in studies related to blood flow, cardiovascular diseases, or other health conditions.
- Specialized Clinics: There are clinics that focus on specific health issues, such as cardiovascular health, hematology, or diabetes, which may offer blood rheology testing as part of their services.
- Diagnostic Laboratories: Independent diagnostic laboratories, such as LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics, may offer blood rheology tests. These labs often work with healthcare providers to order and interpret the results of such tests.
- Academic Medical Centers: Institutions affiliated with medical schools, such as university hospitals, often have the resources and expertise to perform advanced blood tests, including blood rheology examinations.
If you are interested in undergoing a blood rheology examination, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider. They can advise you on the most appropriate facility for your needs and help you understand the implications of the test results.
