Association of Whole Blood Viscosity and Severe Extracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis

INTRODUCTION: Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is not only an important risk factor of cerebrovascular events but it can also indicate generalized atherosclerosis. Hemorheological parameters are altered in CAS and in chronic cerebrovascular disorders as well, but it is controversial if hemorheological parameters could be markers of stenosis or atherosclerosis.
METHODS: We studied 154 patients extracranial internal carotid artery stenting for symptomatic or asymptomatic severe carotid artery stenosis. Hematocrit (Htc), Total protein values of the patients included in the study were calculated using the De-Simone constant formula, Low-shear stress (LSR) and High Shear stress (HSR).

RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the whole blood viscosities ( LSR, HSR) of asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with carotid artery stents( p=0.234, p=0,165).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Although hemorheological parameters are impaired both in CAS and chronic cerebrovascular disorders, the severity of stenosis cannot be detected based on hemorheological parameters. Our investigation suggests that alteration of hemorheological parameters could indicate carotid atherosclerosis.