Patrick M Moriarty1, Cheryl A Gibson. 1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. pmoriart@kumc.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The ability of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to reverse atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular disease has been shown in several randomized controlled trials. One mechanism by which high-density lipoprotein cholesterol protects the vascular system includes hemorheology, the study of blood flow. RECENT FINDINGS: Blood viscosity, or the resistance of flow, can be altered by red blood cell aggregation, red blood cell deformability, and plasma viscosity. Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels may improve all of these rheological mediators. An infusion of recombinant high-density lipoprotein cholesterol can immediately release nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator and responder to changes in rheology, into the arteries by activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The stimulation of nitric oxide release by high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may also alter blood rheology. SUMMARY: In this article, we will review hemorheology, particularly blood viscosity along with other hemorheological factors, and examine their association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The ability of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to reverse atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular disease has been shown in several randomized controlled trials. One mechanism by which high-density lipoprotein cholesterol protects the vascular system includes hemorheology, the study of blood flow. RECENT FINDINGS: Blood viscosity, or the resistance of flow, can be altered by red blood cell aggregation, red blood cell deformability, and plasma viscosity. Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels may improve all of these rheological mediators. An infusion of recombinant high-density lipoprotein cholesterol can immediately release nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator and responder to changes in rheology, into the arteries by activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The stimulation of nitric oxide release by high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may also alter blood rheology. SUMMARY: In this article, we will review hemorheology, particularly blood viscosity along with other hemorheological factors, and examine their association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Authors: Karin Mauer; J Emilio Exaire; Julie A Stoner; Leslie D Guthery; Polly S Montgomery; Andrew W Gardner Journal: Angiology Date: 2010-06-07 Impact factor: 3.619