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Endothelial Shear Stress and Blood Viscosity in Peripheral Arterial Disease

  • Vascular Biology (RS Rosenson, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

This review examines the emerging role of endothelial shear stress (ESS) and blood viscosity on the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in peripheral arterial disease. Among the variables determining ESS, blood viscosity has to date been the most overlooked by clinical researchers. Blood viscosity is a laboratory assessment that is minimally invasive and modifiable using pharmacologic therapy as well as by hemodilution. Monitoring and controlling blood viscosity not only modulates ESS, but also reduces peripheral vascular resistance and increases blood flow to the lower extremities.

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Robert S. Rosenson received honoraria from Aegerion, Amgen, GSK, Janssen, LipoScience, Novartis, Regeneron, and Sanofi; and received royalties from UpToDate.

Young I Cho and Daniel J. Cho declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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  1. Department of Mechanical Eng. and Mechanics, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Young I. Cho

  2. Rheovector, LLC, 200 Federal Street, Suite 300, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA

    Daniel J. Cho

  3. Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Ave, MC1 Level, New York, NY, 10029, USA

    Robert S. Rosenson

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  1. Young I. Cho
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Cho, Y.I., Cho, D.J. & Rosenson, R.S. Endothelial Shear Stress and Blood Viscosity in Peripheral Arterial Disease. Curr Atheroscler Rep 16, 404 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-014-0404-6

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