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Effect of hormone replacement therapy upon haemorheological variables
M I Spengler1, G M Goñi, G Mengarelli
1Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Biofísica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe 3100, CP 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation
|March 13, 2003
Summary
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) improves blood flow by reducing blood viscosity and red blood cell rigidity in menopausal women. This study suggests HRT
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hematology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is known to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
- The precise mechanisms underlying HRT's cardioprotective effects remain unclear.
- Blood rheology significantly influences cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of HRT on cellular and plasma hemorheological factors.
- To elucidate potential mechanisms by which HRT affects blood flow properties.
Main Methods:
- A one-year longitudinal study of menopausal women undergoing HRT.
- Assessment of blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, plasma fibrinogen, erythrocyte rigidity, and erythrocyte aggregation rate.
- Analysis of rheological changes over six-month intervals.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in relative blood viscosity and erythrocyte rigidity observed after six months of HRT.
- These rheological improvements remained stable throughout the second six months of treatment.
- Diminished erythrocyte aggregation, plasma, and blood viscosity correlated with a decrease in plasma fibrinogen levels.
Conclusions:
- HRT favorably modifies cellular and plasma rheology in menopausal women.
- Reduced plasma fibrinogen appears to be a key factor in improving hemorheological properties.
- Altered rheology may contribute to the decreased cardiovascular disease risk associated with HRT, particularly in microcirculation.