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Published on: September 5, 2017
Blood viscosity and oral anticoagulant therapy
Bishydroxycoumarin reduced blood viscosity and hematocrit in healthy individuals and coronary heart disease patients. This viscosity reduction may explain the relief of anginal pain experienced by patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
- Blood viscosity is a critical factor in cardiovascular health and disease progression.
- Anticoagulant therapies are commonly used in managing cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of bishydroxycoumarin on blood viscosity in healthy volunteers and patients with coronary heart disease.
- To explore the relationship between anticoagulant therapy intensity and blood viscosity.
- To determine if changes in blood viscosity correlate with clinical outcomes like anginal pain relief.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from nine healthy volunteers and 31 patients with coronary heart disease.
- Bishydroxycoumarin was administered, and changes in hematocrit, whole blood viscosity, and plasma viscosity were measured.
- The intensity of anticoagulant therapy was monitored, and its relationship with viscosity was analyzed.
- Drug discontinuation was observed to assess the reversibility of viscosity changes.
Main Results:
- Bishydroxycoumarin administration led to decreased hematocrit, whole blood viscosity, and plasma viscosity.
- The impact of anticoagulant therapy on viscosity varied individually.
- Viscosity levels returned to baseline within two to four days after discontinuing the drug.
- A potential correlation between decreased blood viscosity and relief of anginal pain was observed.
Conclusions:
- Bishydroxycoumarin effectively reduces blood viscosity and hematocrit.
- Individualized responses to anticoagulant therapy regarding blood viscosity are common.
- The observed decrease in blood viscosity may contribute to the therapeutic benefits of anticoagulants in coronary heart disease patients, particularly in alleviating anginal pain.
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