[Effect of atorvastatin on hemorheological parameters in patients with arterial hypertension with dyslipidemia]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Hematology

Background:

• Arterial hypertension (AH) and dyslipoproteinemia (DLP) are common conditions often co-existing.
• Impaired hemorheological properties, including red blood cell deformability and aggregation, contribute to cardiovascular risk.
• Statins, like atorvastatin, are primarily used for lipid lowering, but their effects on hemorheology warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of 6-week atorvastatin therapy on lipid metabolism and hemorheological parameters in patients with AH and DLP.
• To assess changes in red blood cell (RBC) deformability, aggregation, and blood viscosity.
• To explore potential hemorheological benefits of atorvastatin beyond lipid reduction.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 27 patients with AH and DLP received 6 weeks of atorvastatin treatment.
• Lipid profiles were monitored.
• Hemorheological assessment included hematocrit, blood plasma and whole blood viscosity (rotational viscosimetry), RBC deformability (filtration method), and RBC cytoarchitectonics.

Main Results:

• Atorvastatin demonstrated a significant lipid-lowering effect.
• A notable improvement in RBC microrheological properties was observed.
• Specifically, a significant decrease in RBC rigidity index and RBC aggregation was recorded.

Conclusions:

• Atorvastatin therapy improves hemorheological properties in patients with AH and DLP.
• Enhanced RBC fluidity and reduced aggregation facilitate blood flow in the microcirculation.
• These hemorheological improvements may offer a supplementary mechanism for atorvastatin's cardiovascular benefits in this patient population.