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Clinical and rheological studies in patients with intermittent claudication
Insights
Blood viscosity may influence peripheral artery disease. Researchers studied haematocrit, red blood cell aggregation, and plasma viscosity in 100 patients, finding links to disease severity but not definitively to intermittent claudication.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) involves narrowed arteries, impacting blood flow.
- Blood viscosity, influenced by red blood cells and plasma, is a potential factor in flow resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of blood viscosity parameters in patients with lower extremity occlusive arterial disease.
- To determine if blood viscosity contributes to the development of intermittent claudication.
Main Methods:
- Measured haematocrit, red blood cell aggregation, and plasma viscosity in 100 PAD patients.
- Correlated viscosity measurements with the severity and extent of arterial disease.
Main Results:
- Observed disturbances in haematocrit, red blood cell aggregation, and plasma viscosity.
- These disturbances were related to the severity and extent of occlusive arterial disease.
Conclusions:
- Blood viscosity parameters are altered in lower extremity PAD.
- The direct contribution of these viscosity changes to intermittent claudication requires further investigation.
Abstract:
While the resistance to flow offered by means of arterial narrowing and the collateral arteries are the major determinants affecting peripheral flow, there may be a contribution by those elements which affect the viscosity of the blood. To evaluate these factors, haematocrit, red blood cell aggregation and plasma viscosity were measured in 100 patients with occlusive arterial disease of the lower extremities. Disturbances in these parameters were noted and appeared to be related to the severity and extent of the occlusive disease. However, whether these factors contribute to the cause of intermittent claudication remains uncertain.