Higher viscosity of blood will increase the amount of stress placed on the heart while it is pumping.Viscosity of blood is highest when ________.
A) hemoglobin levels are lowest
B) plasma levels are highest
C) hematocrit is highest
D) HbA1C levels are lowest

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. Higher hematocrit levels indicate a higher viscosity of blood. Therefore, when hematocrit is highest, blood viscosity is also highest, which places more stress on the heart while pumping. Hemoglobin levels, plasma levels, and HbA1C levels do not directly affect blood viscosity.

Higher Viscosity of Blood Will Increase the Amount of Stress