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Fibrinolytic activity in coronary heart disease
Insights
The fibrinolytic system impacts coronary heart disease (CHD). Lower released plasminogen activator levels were observed in CHD patients, particularly those with unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction, indicating impaired clot breakdown.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- The fibrinolytic system is crucial for dissolving blood clots.
- Impaired fibrinolysis is implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the fibrinolytic system in the development of CHD.
- To compare fibrinolytic activity between CHD patients and healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- Measured released plasminogen activator via venous occlusion in 60 CHD patients and 20 controls.
- Assessed plasma plasminogen, fibrinogen, and serum fibrin degradation products (FDP).
Main Results:
- CHD patients exhibited significantly lower released plasminogen activator levels compared to controls.
- This reduction was most pronounced in patients with unstable angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction.
- Plasma plasminogen, fibrinogen, and FDP levels were also significantly altered in CHD patients.
- Acute myocardial infarction patients with heart failure had lower released plasminogen activator than those without.
Conclusions:
- The fibrinolytic system appears compromised in patients with coronary heart disease.
- Reduced plasminogen activator activity may contribute to thrombotic events in CHD.
- Fibrinolytic dysfunction is particularly evident in severe CHD presentations like acute myocardial infarction and heart failure.
Abstract:
To evaluate the effects of the fibrinolytic system on the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), the level of released plasminogen activator was measured by venous occlusion in 60 CHD cases, and 20 healthy subjects. The level of plasma basic plasminogen activator activity, plasminogen, fibrinogen and serum fibrin degradation products (FDP) were determined also. In comparison with control subjects, a lower level of released plasminogen activator was found in all CHD patients, being especially marked in those with unstable angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction. The levels of plasma plasminogen, fibrinogen and FDP were also significantly changed in these patients. In acute myocardial infarction patients, the level of released plasminogen activator was lower in cases complicated with heart failure than in those without.