The relationship between fibrinogen and other coronary heart disease risk factors in a Chinese population

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T H Lam1, L J Liu, E D Janus

  • 1Department of Community Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. hrmrlth@hkucc.hku.hk

Atherosclerosis
|April 27, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Fibrinogen levels increase with age and are linked to obesity and lipids in Hong Kong Chinese. Smoking also elevates fibrinogen in men, highlighting its potential role in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Biochemistry
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence is lower in Chinese populations compared to Western countries.
  • Limited research exists on fibrinogen levels and their association with CHD risk factors in Chinese populations.
  • Fibrinogen is a key protein in blood clotting and has been implicated in cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between fibrinogen levels and established coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors.
  • To examine these associations specifically within the Hong Kong Chinese population.
  • To provide data that may inform future research on CHD in Asian populations.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 1359 men and 1405 women aged 25-74 years, randomly selected from Hong Kong.
  • Fibrinogen levels were quantified using the Clauss method.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors associated with fibrinogen levels.

Main Results:

  • Mean fibrinogen levels demonstrated a significant increase with age in both men and women.
  • Obesity and blood lipid profiles were identified as the most significant factors associated with fibrinogen levels in both genders.
  • In men, smoking was correlated with higher fibrinogen levels, while smoking cessation was associated with lower levels.

Conclusions:

  • Age, obesity, and lipid profiles are key determinants of fibrinogen levels in Hong Kong Chinese.
  • Smoking cessation may contribute to lower fibrinogen levels in men.
  • Further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the specific role of fibrinogen in coronary heart disease (CHD) pathogenesis within Chinese and broader Asian populations.

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