Rheologic Approach To Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis

Abstract

The flow and deformation properties of blood and vascular systems are discussed in relation to thrombosis and atherosclerosis. A great difference exists between the blood of normal donors and the blood of patients suffering from venous thrombosis and coronary occlusion. The clotting time of blood depends on the velocity gradient at which such clotting takes place. The aggregation of red cells, indicated by an excessively high thixotropy, is suggested to be a factor in thrombosis. Rheologic parameters such as viscosity, thixotropy, turbulence, velocity profile, velocity gradient, smoothness and roughness of the endothelial lining and viscoelasticity of the vessel walls are relevant to the stability of circulation and to the formation of thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Any theory intending to give a solution for thrombosis and atherosclerosis has to take into account not only the biochemical and histologic aspects, but also the rheologic parameters. Eighty five references are included.