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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Published on: May 28, 2019
Relationship between blood viscosity and no-reflow phenomenon in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction performed
Arafat Yildirim1, Mehmet Kucukosmanoglu1, Nermin Y Koyunsever1
1Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences - Adana Health Practice & Research Center, Adana, Turkey.
Insights
Increased whole-blood viscosity, measured by low shear rate (LSR) and high shear rate (HSR), is a significant predictor of no-reflow phenomenon development in ST-elevated myocardial infarction patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The no-reflow phenomenon is a critical complication following reperfusion therapy for ST-elevated myocardial infarction.
- Understanding factors contributing to no-reflow is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between whole-blood viscosity and the development of the no-reflow phenomenon.
- To identify specific viscosity parameters that predict no-reflow in ST-elevated myocardial infarction patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 217 patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction was analyzed.
- Whole-blood viscosity was assessed using hematocrit and total protein levels.
- Low shear rate (LSR) and high shear rate (HSR) viscosity parameters were calculated.
Main Results:
- Patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction exhibited significantly higher average LSR and HSR values compared to controls.
- Both HSR (OR: 4.957) and LSR (OR: 1.114) were identified as independent predictors for no-reflow development.
- The statistical significance for both parameters was p < 0.001.
Conclusions:
- Elevated whole-blood viscosity, specifically higher LSR and HSR, is an independent predictor of no-reflow phenomenon.
- These findings suggest that blood viscosity could be a therapeutic target to mitigate no-reflow post-myocardial infarction.
Abstract:
Background: This study aimed to analyze the associations between no-reflow (NR) phenomenon development and whole-blood viscosity in patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction. Methods: A total of 217 patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction were included. whole-blood viscosity values were assessed using hematocrit and total protein values, and low shear rate (LSR) and high shear rate (HSR) were calculated. Results: The average LSR and HSR values of the study group were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that both HSR (odds ratio: 4.957; p < 0.001) and LSR (odds ratio: 1.114; p < 0.001) were independent predictors for NR development. Conclusion: This study found that increased blood viscosity was an independent predictor for NR development.
