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The effect of HDL cholesterol on blood and plasma viscosity in healthy subjects

Claudio Carallo1, Concetta Irace, Maria S De Franceschi

  • 1Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica "G. Salvatore", "Magna Græcia" University, Catanzaro, Italy.

Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation
|October 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol does not affect blood viscosity in healthy individuals. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol showed a minor association with blood viscosity in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Hemodynamics

Background:

  • The relationship between lipid profiles and hemorheological properties like blood viscosity is not fully understood.
  • Investigating the role of specific lipoproteins, such as HDL cholesterol, in influencing blood viscosity is crucial for cardiovascular health assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the impact of HDL cholesterol levels on blood and plasma viscosity in healthy subjects.
  • To explore the association between various lipid parameters and viscosity measurements.

Main Methods:

  • 144 healthy participants (80 males, 64 females) were recruited, excluding those with diabetes, high triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, or smoking habits.
  • Blood lipid profiles were analyzed using standard methods.
  • Blood and plasma viscosity were measured using a cone-plate viscometer, with subjects categorized into low (<50 mg/dl) and high (>50 mg/dl) HDL cholesterol groups.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in blood or plasma viscosity were observed between subjects with low and high HDL cholesterol levels.
  • Univariate analysis revealed no significant correlations between lipid variables and viscosity.
  • Multivariate analysis indicated a marginal association between LDL cholesterol and blood viscosity.

Conclusions:

  • HDL cholesterol does not appear to influence blood or plasma viscosity in healthy individuals with normal lipid levels.
  • LDL cholesterol may have a minor association with blood viscosity, warranting further investigation.
Abstract

Keywords:
Blood viscosityHDLLDLhyperlipidemiaplasma viscosity

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