Effect of a diet rich in linseed oil on complex viscosity and blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

The influence of a diet rich in linseed oil (10% in weight) with a content of 61.2% of alpha-linolenic fatty acid on blood pressure and complex blood viscosity was investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats. A decrease in blood pressure by 59 mm Hg was found compared to the age-matched, untreated control group. The viscous (eta') and elastic (eta") components of viscosity were also reduced at various shear rates (gamma). The same applies to the aggregation index, which is a measure of the aggregation tendency of red blood cells (RBC). Of course, the effects on blood viscosity cannot explain the observed degree of blood-pressure-lowering. Nevertheless, a decrease in the viscosity can improve the flow conditions in the microcirculation, which may lead to a better oxygen supply.