Influence of clofibrate on blood viscosity in primary hyperlipoproteinemia

In patients with primary hyperlipoproteinemia (23 patients type II a and II b, 13 patients type IV), changes in lipoprotein concentrations (lipid fraction), fibrinogen concentrations, in kinematic serum and plasma viscosity (determined by means of a capillary viscosimeter) and changes in relative apparent viscosity at shear rate 46 s-1 and 115 s-1 (determined by means of a plate-cone-viscosimeter) were measured before and after a clofibrate therapy (2 X 1 g/day) lasting for 7 to 9 weeks. Serum and plasma viscosity was lowered significantly in both types II and IV. The apparent viscosity decreased at shear rate 46 s-1 in type IV, whereas it remained unchanged in type II. Moreover, there exists a qualitative correlation between changes in serum viscosity and changes in lipoprotein concentration. Fibrinogen concentration remained unaltered.