Affiliations: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Ranjeet S. Ajmani, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Gerontology Research Center, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Room 4‐B‐12, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. Tel.: +1 410 558 8528; Fax: +1 410 558 8323; E‐mail: ranjeet@ helix.nih.gov.
Abstract: Hemorheological disturbances in hypertension are the outcome of changes in red cell characteristics, their interaction in the presence of fibrinogen, and the magnitude and distribution of flow forces. Hemorheological alteration coupled with changes in biochemical variables and vessel characteristics in hypertension may affect the hemodynamic profile, which could possibly contribute to the development of hemorrhagic disorders. The complex pathophysiology of hypertension also depends upon the life style, presence of other risk factors, emotional/psychological stress, age and the genetic constitution of an individual. This review article summarizes the hemorheological changes in hypertension and their probable role in the deterioration of blood flow.
