Hemorheological parameters in coronary artery disease detected by multi-slice CT

Epidemiological studies have confirmed that hemorheological parameters are primary risk factors in CAD; and their alterations in CAD have been described. We aimed to investigate both macro- and microrheological properties of blood in patients with CAD. The data of 121 patients (mean age: 58.8 ± 9.6 years) undergoing coronary CT were analyzed. Blood samples were obtained right before CT examinations. Hematocrit (Hct), plasma (PV) and apparent whole blood viscosity (WBV), red blood cell (RBC) aggregation and RBC deformability were measured. Patients were classified into four groups according to their coronary vessel state: Negative group (n = 32, mean age: 56.8 ± 11.1 years) without any coronary stenosis or atherosclerotic lesion and zero calcium-score, Non-significant group (n = 27, mean age: 59.2 ± 7.5 years) below 40% area stenosis, Singlevessel group (n = 32, mean age: 58.8 ± 8.5 years) over 40% area stenosis or history of PCI or CABG on one coronary vessel, Multi-vessel group (n = 30, mean age: 62.1 ± 8.4 years) with over 40% area stenosis or history of PCI or CABG on multiple coronary vessels. Hct was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in all CAD ( Non-significant, Single-vessel, Multi-vessel ) groups compared to the Negative group. WBV was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the Multi-vessel group compared to the Negative group. No significant (p > 0.05) differences were observed in PV. RBC aggregation was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the Multi-vessel group compared to the Negative group. RBC deformability showed a decreasing tendency with the increasing number of atherosclerotic vessels. Our results indicate that hemorheological variables are deteriorated in patients with CAD established by coronary CT, which is more pronounced in severe coronary disease.