Elevated Whole-Blood Viscosity is Associated with Gallstones

BACKGROUND: Gallstones are associated with dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, hyperinsulinemia, and carotid intima-media thickness, which all are related to hyperviscosity. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations between blood viscosity and gallstones. MATERIAL/METHODS: We investigated the associations between blood viscosity and gallstones in a study conducted in middle-aged subjects. RESULTS: Among 849 enrolled patients, 421 (49.6%) had gallstone disease. Compared with control subjects, whole-blood viscosity (WBV) levels were increased in patients with gallstones. The prevalence of gallstones increased as WBV (3 s(−1)) quartiles increased. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that WBV (3 s(−1)) was associated with gallstone disease. CONCLUSIONS: We found that whole-blood viscosity at low shear rate was independently associated with gallstones. Whether control of hyperviscosity would reduce the risk of developing gallstones deserves further investigation.