Changes in the complete blood count and blood rheology in patients after myocardial infarction participating in the rehabilitation programme.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of cardiovascular disease treatment is to reduce the risk of thrombogenesis and improve tissue perfusion, depending inter alia on the rheological properties of the blood. The reduction in blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation, as well as increase of erythrocyte deformability was observed under the influence of physical training.

AIM

To compare the blood count and rheological properties of blood samples before and after outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

35 men (average age: 57.2 ± 5.42), who after suffering myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), took part in 24 physical training sessions of moderate intensity (40-60% of heart rate reserve). The standard ergometer submaximal (up to 85% of predicted HRmax) exercise test and echocardiography was performed before and after training. Blood count, fibrinogen concentration as well as aggregation and elongation properties of erythrocytes were analyzed too.

RESULTS

Patients significantly increased exercise capacity (p <  0.00001) and ejection fraction (p <  0.00001) after completion of the training cycle. There was noted a reduction in aggregation index AI (p <  0.01), an increase in the number of erythrocytes RBC (p <  0.05), while reducing their volume MCV (p <  0.05) and a decrease in hemoglobin content MCH (p <  0.05). The number of leukocytes WBC (p <  0.01) was decreased too.

CONCLUSIONS

Beneficial changes in blood rheology and blood count have been found in patients after myocardial infarction who took part in the physical training sessions of moderate intensity.