Hemorheological Parameters and Fibrinogen in Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Intrinsic blood hemorheology affects the initiation and the progression of atherosclerosis. The most important factors which determine whole blood viscosity are hematocrit and fibrinogen concentration. Red blood cell aggregability and deformability also play a key role. Hemorheological abnormalities and increased blood viscosity have been noticed in arterial hypertension as well as in diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia and among cigarette smokers. This review discusses the emerging role of blood rheology in the context of atherosclerotic plaque formation and focuses on the fibrinogen concentration and hemodynamics.