June 1, 1975Open Access
View Full PaperObservations on blood viscosity changes after acute myocardial infarction.
Key Result
Higher blood viscosity on admission after acute myocardial infarction was associated with a significantly higher incidence of shock, thromboembolism, and left ventricular failure.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=25)
Structured PICO
P
Population
25 patients with acute myocardial infarction
O
Outcome
Serial blood rheologic measurements including blood and plasma viscosities, hematological data and plasma protein concentrationssurrogate
Elevated blood viscosity after acute myocardial infarction persists for over 21 days and correlates with a higher incidence of complications such as shock and thromboembolism.
Abstract
Serial blood rheologic measurements were made in 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction; measurements included blood and plasma viscosities, hematological data and plasma protein concentrations. The blood viscosity was elevated on admission and for more than 21 days after acute myocardial infarction. However, the cause of the elevated viscosity was changed as a function of time after acute myocardial infarction. During the first three days after admission, the high blood viscosity was mainly attributable to high hematocrit values. Thereafter, the hematocrit fell, but blood viscosity remained high. High blood viscosity after the first three days of acute myocardial infarction can be correlated with increases in plasma viscosity and red cell aggregation, which in turn are explained by elevations of alpha 2 globulin and fibrinogen concentrations. Patients with higher blood viscosity on admission had a significantly higher incidence of complications, i.e., shock, thromboembolism and left ventricular failure.