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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
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Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
Published on: January 29, 2013
Hemorheolocical and photoplethysmographical modifications with aging
M Ponzetto1, M Neirotti, R Romin
1Institute of Gerontology, University of Torino, Corso Bramante 88, l-10126 Torino, Italy.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Aging impacts blood flow. This study found increased plasma viscosity and decreased red blood cell filterability and photoplethysmographical wave amplitude in older women, potentially worsening microcirculation.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Hemorheological patterns are linked to atherosclerosis risk factors.
- Limited data exists on hemorheological changes associated with aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between aging and hemorheological parameters.
- To assess correlations between blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, whole blood and red cell filterability, and photoplethysmographical wave amplitude with age and atherosclerosis risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Study included 278 healthy women (mean age 55.3 years).
- Evaluated blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, whole blood filterability, red cell filterability, and photoplethysmographical wave amplitude.
- Correlated hemorheological parameters with age and risk factors like BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, blood pressure, and fibrinogen.
Main Results:
- Blood viscosity correlated positively with BMI, cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglyceridemia, glycemia, and hematocrit.
- Plasma viscosity correlated positively with age, systolic blood pressure, glycemia, and fibrinogen.
- Whole blood filterability negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, triglyceridemia, glycemia, hematocrit, and fibrinogen.
- Red cell filterability negatively correlated with age, hematocrit, and fibrinogen.
- Photoplethysmographical wave amplitude inversely correlated with age and systolic blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Advancing age is associated with increased plasma viscosity.
- Aging leads to decreased red cell filterability and photoplethysmographical wave amplitude.
- These age-related hemorheological changes may contribute to microcirculatory issues in older individuals.
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