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Hyperfibrinogenemia and hyperviscous plasma in hypertensive Africans
1Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Benin, Nigeria, West Africa.
Angiology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Essential hypertension in Nigerian Africans is linked to higher plasma fibrinogen and viscosity. However, some patients show normal levels despite treatment, suggesting complex hemorheologic changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Essential hypertension is a prevalent condition.
- Hemorheologic factors like plasma fibrinogen and viscosity may influence blood pressure.
- Understanding these factors in diverse populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma fibrinogen concentrations (PFC) and relative plasma viscosity (RPV) in Nigerian Africans with essential hypertension.
- To examine the association between these hemorheologic variables and blood pressure.
- To compare findings with normotensive controls.
Main Methods:
- Studied 61 Nigerian Africans undergoing treatment for essential hypertension.
- Included 30 normotensive controls for comparison.
- Measured PFC and RPV and correlated them with blood pressure levels (mild, moderate, severe hypertension).
Main Results:
- Hypertensive patients showed significantly higher PFC and RPV compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- Approximately 44.3% of hypertensive patients had PFC and RPV within normal limits.
- PFC and RPV increased significantly with the severity of hypertension (moderate and severe levels).
Conclusions:
- Elevated PFC and RPV are associated with essential hypertension in this Nigerian African cohort.
- A subset of hypertensive patients exhibits normal hemorheologic values despite treatment.
- These hemorheologic alterations may contribute to hypertension pathogenesis or be a consequence of the condition.