Sex difference in clot lysability and association to coronary artery calcification

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular research
• Hemostasis and thrombosis
• Sex differences in medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and prevalence vary by sex, with women typically diagnosed later.
• Fibrin clot properties, specifically lysability, are implicated in CVD development.
• This study investigates sex-based differences in fibrin clot lysability among asymptomatic individuals and its relationship with coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine sex differences in fibrin clot lysability.
• To explore the association between fibrin clot lysability and coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression.
• To understand how these factors relate in asymptomatic middle-aged individuals.

Main Methods:

• 163 participants (50 or 60 years old) without comorbidities were followed for 5 years.
• Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was assessed using the Agatston (Ag) score at baseline and follow-up.
• Fibrin clot lysability was measured using turbidimetric methods, with participants grouped by CAC change (ΔAg = 0 U or ΔAg > 0 U).

Main Results:

• At follow-up, women with CAC progression (ΔAg > 0 U) exhibited significantly reduced fibrin clot lysability (40.2%) compared to baseline (47.8%).
• This reduction in lysability was also significant when compared to women with no CAC progression (51.2%) and men with CAC progression (54.4%).
• These findings were independent of other covariates.

Conclusions:

• Fibrin clot lysability demonstrates significant sex-based differences over time.
• Women experiencing CAC progression show diminished fibrin clot lysability relative to men.
• This suggests a sex-specific connection between changes in blood vessel walls and the body's ability to break down blood clots.