Rheological blood properties versus physical exertion in the process of ageing

Ageing has a strong influence on the changes of the rheological parameters of blood. Then the level of fibrinogen increases which influences the rise of plasma viscosity, red cell aggregation and the whole blood viscosity. The level of fibrinogen in humans varies from 2.0 to 4.0 g/l. Whereas in people ageing, who are over 60, its rate increases from 3.3 to 4.0 g/l, which is an upper limit of the norm. In old people the erythrocytes become less deformable, making for an increase of blood viscosity and decreasing the speed of the flow through the blood vessels. The foregoing rheological blood changes are factors of risk for cardiovascular diseases among old people. That is why it is essential to improve the rheological blood parameters in old people by the training application. It is observed that people who led a sedentary lifestyle and who take up regular physical activity have better blood parameters than those described above: a decrease of blood viscosity and positive changes of elastic red cell properties. The observed decrease of plasma viscosity after endurance training application can cause a permanent reduction of heart strain, an increase of tissue blood circulation and can result in a decrease of cardiovascular complications. In the review article the issue of changes of the rheological parameters of blood which take place while ageing and the influence of physical activity on rheological blood indicators have been presented.