RESUMO
Changes in blood rheological properties and central hemodynamic parameters were studied in patients with Functional Classes III-IV angina pectoris who had undergone therapeutical plasmapheresis. Drastic baseline changes in blood rheological properties, a reduction in myocardial contractility, and high total peripheral vascular resistance (hypokinetic circulation) were found to be indications for plasmapheresis supplemented to antianginal therapy. A positive clinical effect of this therapeutical method may be, to a definite extent, predicted in these patients. The first plasmapheresis procedure improved blood rheology due to the plasma component, making the high baseline levels of fibrinogen and total protein normal, lowered increased platelet aggregation, repeated procedures enhanced the electric superficial charge of red blood cells and the stroke index of the left ventricle.
