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Hemorheology in complicated hypertension
G Cicco1, P Vicenti, G D Stingi
1Department of Clinical Methodology and Medico-Surgical Technologies, Institute of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Research Center of Hemorheology, Microcirculation, Oxygen Transport and Optical Technologies, University of Bari, Italy.
Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation
|March 11, 2000
Summary
Hypertension reduces red blood cell deformability, impairing tissue oxygenation and increasing vascular resistance. This hemorheological change contributes to hypertension and its complications, particularly in patients with peripheral occlusive arterial disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Hemodynamics
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Arterial hypertension is linked to microcirculation changes and reduced tissue oxygenation.
- Hemorheological factors, like increased blood viscosity and red blood cell aggregation, can exacerbate hypertension.
- Patients with hypertension often exhibit dyslipidemia, including elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between red blood cell deformability, tissue oxygenation, and arterial hypertension.
- To assess hemorheological alterations in hypertensive patients, particularly those with peripheral occlusive arterial disease (POAD).
- To correlate erythrocyte deformability with peripheral oxygenation levels in hypertensive individuals.
Main Methods:
- Studied 21 healthy subjects and 26 hypertensive patients with mild hypertension and POAD.
- Measured blood pressure (SBP, DBP, MBP), heart rate (HR), and transcutaneous oxygenation (TcpO2).
- Assessed erythrocyte deformability using elongation index (EI) and erythrocyte morphologic index (EMI), and evaluated vascular disease with RPI and WI.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive patients, especially those with vascular disease, showed reduced peripheral tissue oxygenation (TcpO2).
- A significant correlation (p < 0.01) was found between reduced peripheral oxygenation and decreased red blood cell deformability.
- Elevated cholesterolaemia and trygliceridaemia were observed in the hypertensive patient group.
Conclusions:
- Reduced red blood cell deformability is a key factor in decreased peripheral tissue oxygenation in hypertension.
- Impaired erythrocyte function can increase peripheral resistance, contributing to hypertension and hemorheological complications.
- These findings highlight the importance of hemorheological assessment in managing hypertensive patients, particularly those with coexisting vascular disease.