Low density lipoprotein cholesterol and whole blood viscosity

Whole blood viscosity (WBV) was measured in a normal population and was analyzed in relation to packed cell volume, (hematocrit, PCV), fibrinogen, white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, and plasma lipids, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc). Conventional assays were used for all blood and lipid measurements. Whole blood viscosity was measured under disaggregating conditions with a disposable, porous bed viscometer. As expected, the strongest correlation was seen between WBV and PCV (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Significant positive correlations also were demonstrated between WBV and cholesterol (r = 0.22, p < 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.14, p < 0.001) and LDLc (r = 0.21, p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between HDLc and WBV (r = -0.20, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis by sex showed only the correlation of LDLc was significant for both men and women. A stepwise multiple regression analysis of WBV indicated that LDLc, fibrinogen (Fbg) and platelet (Plt) counts correlated independently of PCV to WBV. The equation derived from multiple regression and partial correlation analysis was: WBV (mPa.sec) = -9.317 + 0.0047 (LDLc) + 0.381 (PCV) + 0.00152 (Plt) + 0.0021 (Fbg). The calculated mean specific contribution of PCV was 90.8 percent, LDLc 3.5 percent, and fibrinogen 3.3 percent to observed mean WBV. This study shows that LDLc is the principal lipoprotein independently influencing whole blood viscosity and its effect is similar in magnitude to fibrinogen. Further studies to elucidate the mechanism and clinical significance of the effects of LDLc on WBV are indicated.