Blood Rheology in Female with Hypercholesterolemia

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the contributing factors for whole blood rheological status in female patients with hypercholesterolemia. Methods: A total of 257 untreated female patients with hypercholesterolemia and 100 normolipidemic subjects with no history of cardiovascular events were enrolled. Blood passage time (BPT) was used as a marker of whole blood rheology and was measured with a micro channel array flow analyzer. The relationship between BPT and cardiovascular risk factors was also examined. Results: Serum concentration of triglycerides, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, derivatives of the reactive oxygen metabolites test (in vivo marker of oxidative stress), and BPT were significantly higher in hypercholesterolemic patients than in normolipidemic subjects; however, no significant relationship was observed between BPT and the concentration of serum cholesterol. Hypercholesterolemic patients exhibited significant relationships between BPT and a number of other factors (serum concentration of triglycerides (r = 0.35, p < 0.001), eicosapentaenoic acid (r = –0.40, p < 0.001), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), derivatives of the reactive oxygen metabolites test (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), smoking, and daily exercise habits). Furthermore, multivariate analysis confirmed the selection of these factors as independent variables with BPT as a subordinate factor. Conclusion: Data indicate that serum cholesterol concentration is not an important determinant of whole blood rheology in female patients with hypercholesterolemia. Inflammation, oxidative stress, daily lifestyle, the serum concentration of triglycerides, and eicosapentaenoic acid are more important factors than serum cholesterol concentration in this patient type.