Comparison of hemorheological changes in patients after acute coronary events, intervention and ambulatory rehabilitation.

During the past decades, our group have investigated the hemorheological parameters (HPs) of more than 1,000 patients with various forms of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Our data indicate that HPs are altered in patients with IHD and the extent of the alterations is in good correlation with the clinical severity of the disease. Our findings have also proven that HPs play a critical role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia. The lack of regular exercise is an important cardiovascular risk factor. Regular physical activity-as part of the cardiovascular rehabilitation training program (CRP)-is recommended for the treatment of IHD and the prevention of first or further cardiovascular events. To estimate the beneficial hemorheological effects of CRP, compared to patients after a coronary event or intervention and not participating in CRP, the data of four of our prospective studies (three non-CRP and one CRP-participating) were evaluated. Hematocrit (Hct), plasma and whole blood viscosity (WBV), Hct/WBV ratio significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the nonCRP groups during the 6-12 months follow-up, while in the CRP group they significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Red blood cell aggregation decreased in a much greater manner in the CRP group. Our results indicate that CRP has beneficial hemorheological effects and is able to reverse the deterioration of HPs after coronary events or intervention.