The relationship between hypercholesterolemia as a risk factor for stroke and blood viscosity measured using Digital Microcapillary®

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for stroke, and it is known that patients exhibit elevated blood viscosity after experiencing a stroke. This study examined the relationship between hypercholesterolemia as a risk factor for stroke and increased blood viscosity. Blood viscosity was measured using Digital Microcapillary®. The data used in this cross-sectional study were obtained from the medical records of patients at Pos Binaan Terpadu (Posbindu), and data from healthy controls were obtained from a previous study. The results illustrated that 51.3% (n = 98) and 88.5% (n = 169) of patients had hypercholesterolemia and hyperviscosity, respectively. The results revealed a significant difference in blood viscosity between patients with hypercholesterolemia and healthy subjects, but this difference was not noted between patients with normal cholesterol levels and those with hypercholesterolemia. The study results support the link between cholesterol levels and blood viscosity and confirm the utility of Digital Microcapillary as a tool for screening patients who are at risk of stroke.