Abnormalities of rheology and coagulation in hypertension.

While the arterial tree is exposed to increased pressure flow, paradoxically the complications of hypertension are mainly thrombotic rather than haemorrhage. Improved techniques have allowed the identification of haemorrheological indices, coagulation factors and markers of arteriolar endothelial and platelet dysfunction which potentially contribute to thrombus formation (thrombogenesis) in patients with hypertension. These factors may be important in the pathogenesis, complications and prognosis of such patients. The purpose of this review is to examine the complex relationship between hypertension and blood rheology, platelets and related components of the coagulation system.