Sean Farrington: Why your blood should flow like ketchup

Why your blood should flow like ketchup

Your blood should have more in common with ketchup than just color, says chemical engineer Sean Farrington. Demonstrating the flow of everyday products like shampoo, peanut butter and ketchup, he makes the case for expanding the use of blood viscosity as a medical diagnostic, much like blood pressure. Learn more about the little-known field of rheology and how it could save lives — if taken seriously.

Blood is more like ketchup than water, thanks to its unique flow, yet doctors rarely measure how thick or thin it is. Nearly half of people over 40 develop clogged arteries, but current diagnostics overlook valuable clues in blood's viscosity. Understanding and applying the science of rheology could help catch heart disease early and save countless lives. Bringing this overlooked measurement into regular medical care calls for both innovation and public awareness.

Blood’s Hidden Power: Why Viscosity Could Revolutionize Medicine

Blood is more like ketchup than water, thanks to its unique viscosity, which plays a crucial role in health. Up to 46 percent of people over 40 have arterial plaque, yet blood viscosity is rarely measured in routine care. The science of rheology, used for products like lotion and motor oil, could help doctors catch cardiovascular disease earlier. Bringing awareness and simple tools to blood rheology could transform heart health as profoundly as blood-pressure monitoring did.