Differences in blood viscosity,glycosylated hemoglobin and platelet count between male patients with carotid territory transient ischemic attacks and minor strokes

Abstract

In this study we further elucidate our previous hypothesis of a different pathogenesis for carotid territory transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke. Blood parameters involved in atherosclerotic complications or in rheological disorders were studied in 100 consecutive male patients, 47 with carotid territory minor strokes and 53 with carotid TIA. Whole blood viscosity was significantly higher in the patients with minor stroke than in the patients with TIA, mean 7.0 versus 6.4 cpoise (after correction for hematocrit, p<0.025), whereas we found no difference in plasma viscosity. The values of glycosylated hemoglobin, 5.05 vs 4.40 % of total Hb (p<0.0001) were higher in the minor stroke group and the platelet count, 250 vs 192×10⁹/l (p<0.0001) was significantly lower in the TIA group than in the minor stroke group. These findings strengthen our former hypothesis that the pathogenesis of carotid TIA and minor stroke may frequently be different.