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Antithrombin III and arterial disease

T W Meade1, J Cooper, G J Miller

  • 1MRC Epidemiology and Medical Care Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK.

Lancet (London, England)
|October 5, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Both low and high antithrombin III levels increase arterial disease risk. This prospective study found higher mortality from arterial disease in men with extreme antithrombin III levels compared to those with moderate levels.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Cross-sectional studies indicate a link between antithrombin III levels and arterial disease risk.
  • Both low and high antithrombin III levels have been associated with increased risk, particularly for ischemic heart disease (IHD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively investigate the relationship between antithrombin III levels and subsequent death from arterial disease.

Main Methods:

  • The Northwick Park Heart Study prospectively analyzed 893 men.
  • Antithrombin III levels were assessed and correlated with factor VII activity and plasma fibrinogen levels.

Main Results:

  • A direct correlation was observed between antithrombin III levels and higher factor VII activity and plasma fibrinogen.
  • Mortality from arterial disease was higher in the lowest and highest thirds of antithrombin III distribution compared to the middle third.

Conclusions:

  • Both extremely low and extremely high antithrombin III levels are associated with an increased risk of death from arterial disease.
  • These findings highlight a potential U-shaped relationship between antithrombin III levels and arterial disease mortality.

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