[Rheographic properties of blood in acute myocardial infarct and cardiosclerosis]

The changes in the seeming and inner viscosity and fluidity of blood in 46 patients with acute myocardial infarction were studied during 15 days after the onset of the disease. For comparison, the same parameters were studied in 30 normal individuals and in 20 patients with cardiosclerosis. The studies were conducted with the aid of a rotational viscosimeter with a speed shift range from 8.8 to 140 sec.-1. The viscosity and fluidity of blood in patients with cardiosclerosis was found not to differ from those of normals. Acute myocardial infarction is accompanied by the development of extended intravascular coagulation that manifests itself most distinctly in cardiogenic shock. The extended intravascular coagulation manifests itself in a decreased blood viscosity observed either soon after the onset of the disease, or 4-5 and 11-15 days following a preceeding increase in blood viscosity.