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Hemorheological changes during human aging
1Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute on Aging Gerontology Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Gerontology
|April 2, 1998
Summary
Aging is linked to hemorheological changes like increased blood viscosity, potentially impairing circulation and contributing to age-related diseases and cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hematology
Background:
- Human aging is associated with various hemorheological, hematological, and metabolic alterations.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for addressing age-related health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of hemorheological changes during aging.
- To explore the role of these changes in the development of age-related disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on hemorheological parameters in aging.
- Analysis of findings related to blood viscosity, coagulation, and red blood cell properties.
Main Results:
- Key findings include increased fibrinogen, blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and red cell rigidity.
- Early activation of the coagulation system and elevated fibrin degradation products are noted.
- These changes lead to hypoperfusion, impaired microcirculation, and disturbed blood flow profiles.
Conclusions:
- Altered hemorheological parameters contribute to circulatory disorders like hypertension, stroke, and diabetes in older adults.
- Changes in hemorheology correlate with cognitive and behavioral decrements in the aged.
- Hemorheological shifts are implicated in both clinical and non-clinical aspects of human aging.