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 AND 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.