Plasma viscosity and hemoglobin in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

As part of a population survey for cardiovascular risk factors, plasma viscosity and hemoglobin were measured in 4022 individuals aged 25 – 64 years. The results show that there is no age- or sex-dependency of plasma viscosity in healthy participants; while hemoglobin shows the well known sex difference. In contrast, plasma viscosity increases with age in the total population. Plasma viscosity in women is elevated in hypercholesterolemia and in obesity. In men it is increased in hypercholesterolemia, untreated hypertension and in smoking participants. Hemoglobin is elevated in women who smoke and is not increased in the presence of any risk factor in men. The results confirm clinical trials showing hemorheological deficits in cardiovascular risk factors. Thus the hypothesis of a link between blood rheology and cardiovascular risk is strengthened.