Effect of Antihypertensive Therapy on Blood Rheology in Patients with Essential Hypertension

• Published in: Journal of international medical research Vol. 33; no. 2; pp. 170 - 177
• Main Authors: Sumino, H, Nara, M, Seki, K, Takahashi, T, Kanda, T, Ichikawa, S, Goto-Onozato, K, Koya, S, Murakami, M, Kurabayashi, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-03-2005
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antihypertensive Agents - pharmacology; Arteries - drug effects; Blood Circulation Time; Blood Flow Velocity - drug effects; Blood Pressure - drug effects; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cell Adhesion; Circadian Rhythm; Female; Humans; Hypertension - blood; Hypertension - drug therapy; Leukocytes - cytology; Male; Middle Aged; Platelet Aggregation; Rheology - methods; Time Factors; Hypertension; Antihypertensive drugs; Blood rheology; Blood pressure
• ISSN: 0300-0605; 1473-2300
• DOI: 10.1177/147323000503300204

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and antihypertensive drugs can decrease the occurrence of such events in hypertensive patients. This study compared the rheological properties of blood in 22 untreated hypertensive patients, 42 patients taking antihypertensive drugs and 74 normotensive subjects. Using a microchannel method, the whole blood passage time was measured and blood movement was observed with a microscope connected to an image display unit. The blood passage time in untreated hypertensive patients was significantly higher than in treated hypertensive patients or normotensive subjects, but was similar in the latter two groups. Microscopic observations showed that platelet aggregation and leucocyte adhesion were increased in untreated hypertensive patients, resulting in poor flow, while blood samples from treated hypertensive patients and normotensive subjects passed smoothly through the microchannels. These rheological differences could contribute to the decrease in cardiovascular disease seen when hypertensive patients are treated effectively.