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Diminished global fibrinolytic capacity in patients with mitral valve prolapse is associated with transient ischemic

Enver Atalar1, Tayfun Açil, Kudret Aytemir

  • 1Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Cardiology Department, Ankara, Turkey. eatalar@lycos.com

Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis : Official Journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis
|May 7, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) patients generally have normal fibrinolytic activity. However, MVP patients with a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) exhibit significantly reduced fibrinolytic capacity, suggesting a potential link to stroke risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Thrombosis Research

Background:

  • Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is linked to thromboembolic complications, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
  • Evaluating fibrinolytic activity is crucial for understanding thrombotic risk in MVP patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess global fibrinolytic capacity (GFC) in patients with mitral valve prolapse.
  • To investigate potential differences in fibrinolysis between MVP patients with and without a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Main Methods:

  • Compared GFC in 35 MVP patients and 25 healthy controls using a novel technique.
  • Stratified MVP patients based on history of TIA to analyze GFC levels.

Main Results:

  • Overall GFC was not significantly different between MVP patients and controls.
  • MVP patients with a history of TIA showed significantly lower GFC compared to both controls and MVP patients without TIA history.
  • GFC levels in MVP patients with TIA history were below control levels.

Conclusions:

  • Global fibrinolytic activity is comparable in MVP patients without TIA and controls.
  • Reduced global fibrinolytic activity in MVP patients with TIA history may indicate an increased risk for thromboembolic events.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the role of impaired fibrinolysis in MVP-associated cerebrovascular events.

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