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Plasma fibrinogen in unstable coronary artery disease

E Swahn1, H von Schenck, L Wallentin

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.

Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|February 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) elevate fibrinogen and orosomucoid levels. These acute-phase reactants may indicate a hypercoagulable state and disease progression in CAD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) encompasses unstable angina pectoris and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI).
  • Elevated acute-phase reactants like fibrinogen and orosomucoid are observed in inflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
  • The role of these markers in the context of unstable CAD requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate plasma fibrinogen and orosomucoid levels in patients with suspected unstable CAD.
  • To determine the association of unstable CAD, obesity, and smoking with these acute-phase reactants.
  • To explore the potential implications of elevated fibrinogen in unstable CAD for hypercoagulability and disease progression.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma fibrinogen and orosomucoid levels were measured in 249 patients admitted to a coronary care unit.
  • Patients were categorized into unstable CAD (including unstable angina and non-Q-wave MI) and control groups.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to identify independent contributors to elevated marker levels.

Main Results:

  • A diagnosis of unstable CAD independently contributed to elevated fibrinogen and orosomucoid levels.
  • Obesity and current smoking also independently correlated with increased levels of these acute-phase reactants.
  • In non-Q-wave MI patients, fibrinogen and orosomucoid levels were high irrespective of obesity and smoking status, suggesting myocardial necrosis as a primary driver.
  • Increased fibrinogen in unstable CAD may signify a hypercoagulable state, potentially promoting coronary lesion progression.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated fibrinogen and orosomucoid are associated with unstable CAD and non-Q-wave MI.
  • Obesity and smoking influence the basal levels and inflammatory response of fibrinogen and orosomucoid.
  • The heightened fibrinogen in unstable CAD suggests a prothrombotic state, contributing to cardiovascular event risk.

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