Increased levels of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol associated with hemorheological abnormalities in untreated, early-stage essential hypertensives

Abstract

Among subfractions of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), small dense LDL-C (SdLDL-C) has been highlighted as the most atherogenic lipoprotein cholesterol. The present study aimed to compare the relationship of SdLDL-C with blood viscosity, a surrogate marker for cardiovascular disease, with that of other lipid fractions with blood viscosity in essential hypertensives (EHTs). In 128 untreated, early-stage EHTs, blood viscosity was measured with a falling-ball microviscometer, and serum levels of lipid fractions were determined. Blood and plasma viscosity was significantly higher in 49 patients with dyslipidemia (fasting serum level of LDL-C > 140 mg dl(-1), triglyceride > 150 mg dl(-1) or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) < 40 mg dl(-1)) compared with 79 patients without dyslipidemia, although hematocrit and RBC rigidity index 'k' did not differ between the two groups. Together, SdLDL-C, LDL-C, triglyceride and large LDL-C were positively correlated with blood viscosity, but for HDL-C, the correlation was negative. After adjusting for non-lipid variables that correlated with blood viscosity (that is, the age, body mass index, resting diastolic blood pressure, sex, hematocrit, plasma viscosity and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance), SdLDL-C was most strongly associated with blood viscosity among the lipid fractions. These data suggest that SdLDL-C could strongly increase blood viscosity in EHTs.

Erythrocyte rheological properties but not whole blood and plasma viscosity are associated with severity of hypertension in older people

“…A previous study revealed that blood viscosity correlated to diastolic blood pressure [29]. Similarly, in this study we found that all the hemorheological indices (including whole blood viscosity at various shear rates, plasma viscosity and erythrocyte rheology) were significantly related to diastolic blood pressure.…”

Distribution of High-Density Lipoprotein Subfractions and Hypertensive Status

“… 9 , 10 During the past decades, the relationship between hypertension and LDL subfractions, especially with the small dense LDL or the particle size, has been reported by multiple clinical studies. 11 – 13 It has, hence, suggested that hypertension may contribute to atherosclerosis with associated risk factors that influence LDL subfractions and particle size. In fact, HDL particle is more heterogeneous in its size and composition than LDL.…”

Heparin‐induced lipoprotein precipitation apheresis in dyslipidemic patients: A multiparametric assessment

“…Blood viscosity, indeed, has been reported to be strongly predictive of cardiovascular events, and is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. 23,24 It is also positively associated with high levels of LDL-C and hyperfibrinogenaemia. 23 In our patients, H.E.L.P.…”