Hommel M, Pradère J, Guell A, Bousquet J, Bes A
Sem Hop. 1982 Dec 16;58(46):2719-23.
Blood hyperviscosity is usually observed in ischemic stroke. Our purpose was to study relations between viscosity and the different parameters of blood that influence viscosity, and to search abnormalities of circadian rhythms. 18 stroke patients (8 females and 10 males mean 65.4 years) and 12 normal subjects (4 females and 8 males, mean 68 years) were studied. The measures were realised within the 48 hours after stroke at 6 p.m. and 12 p.m. and the fourth day at 6 p.m. and 12 p.m., by means of a Taylor-Couette type rheometer. Stroke patients have a significant increase of their blood viscosity, but without elevation of blood hematocrit or fibrinogen within 48 hours. Stroke patients have no nocturnal decrease of viscosity, and they don't present the normal circadian periodicity. Perhaps would this phenomenon explain the diurnal variations in occurrence of strokes?