Non-Newtonian effects on low-density lipoprotein transport in the arterial wall

This work investigates the effects of non-Newtonian properties of plasma on the low-density lipoprotein transport within the arterial wall. The results show that when compared with Newtonian flows, the shear thinning effect of non-Newtonian flows can much enhance the filtration velocity. This enhancement in turn is responsible for elevations in the LDL concentration, which effect is the most significant in the intima, and particularly when the transmural pressure is in the hypertensive regime. This work suggests that non-Newtonian flow behavior can be responsible for elevated risks of atherosclerosis, and needs to be properly accounted for in pertinent model studies. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.