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Published on: November 3, 2015
Is increased plasma viscosity a risk factor for high blood pressure?
Angiology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
High blood pressure risk is linked to plasma viscosity, a measure of blood thickness. This study found plasma viscosity strongly associated with hypertension, suggesting it may indicate higher cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular epidemiology
- Hematology
- Public health
Background:
- Epidemiologic studies suggest hematocrit and fibrinogen may be risk factors for hypertension.
- Population surveys are crucial for identifying cardiovascular risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma viscosity and high blood pressure.
- To assess plasma viscosity as a potential cardiovascular risk factor in a large population sample.
Main Methods:
- A population survey of 5,312 individuals aged 25-64 years was conducted.
- Blood pressure, plasma viscosity, and hemoglobin were measured.
- Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, controlling for age, sex, BMI, alcohol, smoking, and cholesterol.
Main Results:
- Plasma viscosity showed a significant association with high blood pressure, second only to body mass index.
- This association remained significant after controlling for multiple confounding factors.
- The study did not establish a causal relationship due to its cross-sectional design.
Conclusions:
- Plasma viscosity is a significant factor associated with high blood pressure.
- Increased plasma viscosity may have prognostic relevance for cardiovascular complications, potentially contributing to myocardial hypertrophy.
- The influence of antihypertensive drugs on blood viscosity should be considered in treatment selection.
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