Ischemic stroke and fibrinogen in the elderly

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• Aging is associated with increased incidence of ischemic stroke.
• Plasma fibrinogen levels naturally rise with age in the elderly.
• Fibrinogen may play a role in age-related cerebrovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the age-related changes in plasma fibrinogen levels in the elderly.
• To compare fibrinogen levels between normal aging individuals and those with a history of ischemic stroke.
• To assess the association between fibrinogen levels and cerebrovascular disease in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Study included 80 inpatients aged 50-79, divided into ischemic stroke patients (n=32) and normal controls (n=48).
• Participants were stratified into three age groups: 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 years.
• Plasma fibrinogen levels were measured and compared using the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test.

Main Results:

• In normal controls, fibrinogen levels significantly increased only in the oldest age group (70-79) compared to the youngest (50-59).
• In ischemic stroke patients, fibrinogen levels showed a significant increase starting from the middle age group (60-69) compared to the youngest.
• Fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in ischemic stroke patients compared to age-matched controls across older age groups.

Conclusions:

• Plasma fibrinogen levels increase with age in both normal elderly individuals and those with ischemic stroke.
• The age-related increase in fibrinogen is more pronounced and occurs earlier in patients with ischemic stroke.
• Elevated fibrinogen levels are a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular disease in the elderly and warrant consideration for treatment.