Influence of hemorheological parameters and mean blood pressure on carotid blood flow asymmetry in patients with chronic unilateral cerebral infarctions.

The study aimed to follow the influence of some hemorheological parameters and mean blood pressure (MBP) on the carotid blood flow asymmetry in 20 patients with chronic unilateral cerebral infarctions (UCI) as compared to 30 patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), 17 patients with risk factors (RF) for cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and 11 healthy controls. Hemorheological variables: hematocrit (HT), plasma (PV) and whole blood viscosity (WBV), serum lipids and echocardiographic parameters were investigated. Blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean) was registered and color duplex sonography of the carotid arteries was performed. The lumen diameter, the intima media thickness (IMT) and the blood flow velocity (systolic, mean and diastolic) in the carotid arteries were examined and the velocity asymmetry ratio (AR) was calculated. Significant increase of HT in UCI, of mean blood pressure (MBP) in the patients with RF and TIAs and of IMT and velocity parameters in all patients was established. The correlation analysis revealed parallel influence of HT, MBP, cardiac function, IMT, lumen diameter and some of the modifiable RF on the carotid AR in patients with chronic UCI affecting mainly the collateral circulation. The complex investigation of these factors would enable us to individualize the therapeutic approach in the patients with cerebral ischemic events.