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Updated: Sep 23, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Hematocrit is associated with carotid atherosclerosis in men but not in women

Concetta Irace1, Monica Ciamei, Andrea Crivaro

  • 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Italy.

Coronary Artery Disease
|June 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

In men, higher hematocrit and blood viscosity correlate with carotid atherosclerosis. Hematocrit independently predicts this condition, suggesting its significance in cardiovascular risk assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Blood viscosity and plasma viscosity are linked to atherosclerosis, but conclusive evidence, especially in women, is lacking.
  • Understanding hemorheological factors' role in atherosclerosis is crucial for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if hematocrit, blood viscosity, and plasma viscosity are independently associated with carotid atherosclerosis.
  • To assess if these hemorheological markers can enhance the prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.

Main Methods:

  • Examined 892 participants for conventional CHD risk factors and hemorheological parameters.
  • Assessed carotid atherosclerosis using echo-Doppler, categorizing participants into no, low, and high atherosclerosis groups.

Main Results:

  • In men, increasing carotid atherosclerosis correlated with higher hematocrit and blood viscosity.
  • In women, increasing carotid atherosclerosis correlated with higher plasma viscosity.
  • Hematocrit was independently associated with carotid atherosclerosis in men, while blood viscosity's association diminished after adjustment.

Conclusions:

  • Hematocrit and blood viscosity are associated with carotid atherosclerosis in men.
  • Hematocrit appears to have an independent effect on carotid atherosclerosis in men, beyond viscosity-mediated effects.
Abstract

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