The Effect of Ezetimibe on Plasma Viscosity, Fibrinogen and Lipid Profile

Objectives: The aim of this study is to reveal the effect of ezetimibe monotherapy on plasma viscosity and fibrinogen levels in hyperlipidemia. Material and Methods: A study group of 31 hyperlipidemic patients was treated for twelve weeks with a monotherapy of ezetimibe 10 mg/day. A healthy control group of 31 individuals with normal plasma lipid profile was also  admitted to the study. PV, fibrinogen and fasting lipid parameters were evaluated. PV was measured by Harkness Capillary Viscometer. Results: PV and fibrinogen levels decreased significantly with ezetimibe monotherapy (p<0.01). Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were statistically significantly lower than ezetimibe monotherapy group (p<0.001), whereas high density lipoprotein (HDL) level was significantly higher than ezetimibe monotherapy group (p<0.01). HDL level increased significantly in ezetimibe monotherapy group (p<0.01). PV and fibrinogen levels of the control group were lower than ezetimibe monotherapy group before treatment (p<0.01 and p<0.001; respectively). Besides, fibrinogen level of control group was significantly lower than ezetimibe monotherapy group after treatment (p<0.01). Total cholesterol and LDL levels of control group was lower than ezetimibe monotherapy group before and after treatment (p<0.001 and p<0.01; p<0.001, respectively). HDL level of  control group was significantly higher than ezetimibe monotherapy group before treatment (p<0.01). Conclusions: Ezetimibe monotherapy ameliorates lipid profile and PV parameters in hyperlipidemic individuals. Increased PV and deteriorations in lipid profile may induce endothelial damage in cardiovascular diseases. Being a biophysical mechanical marker, PV may be useful for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of hyperlipidemic patients treated with ezetimibe monotherapy.