From the Research
D-dimer levels are positively correlated with disease severity and plasma viscosity in hypertensive patients, and managing hypertension with antihypertensive medications and lifestyle modifications can help improve both markers and reduce cardiovascular risk. The relationship between D-dimer and plasma viscosity in hypertension is complex, but studies have shown that both markers are often elevated in hypertensive patients due to endothelial dysfunction and a prothrombotic state 1. D-dimer, a fibrin degradation product indicating active coagulation, tends to increase in hypertensive patients, while plasma viscosity increases in hypertension as a result of altered rheological properties of blood, including increased fibrinogen levels and red blood cell aggregation.
Key Findings
- A study published in 2022 found that plasma D-dimer levels were correlated with disease severity among hypertensive patients, with higher levels indicating more severe disease 1.
- Another study published in 2018 found that D-dimer levels were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with stable coronary heart disease 2.
- The relationship between D-dimer and plasma viscosity is clinically significant, as elevated levels of both markers are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and thrombotic complications in hypertensive patients.
Management and Prevention
- Management should focus on controlling blood pressure with appropriate antihypertensive medications, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics at standard doses, to reduce endothelial damage.
- Addressing modifiable risk factors like smoking cessation, weight management, and regular physical activity can help improve both markers and reduce cardiovascular risk.
- In patients with significantly elevated D-dimer levels, further evaluation for thrombotic conditions may be warranted, especially if accompanied by symptoms.
- Regular monitoring of these parameters in hypertensive patients, particularly those with additional cardiovascular risk factors, can help guide treatment strategies and potentially prevent thrombotic complications.