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Published on: September 9, 2012

Plasma fibrinogen--a major coronary risk factor

M C Stone, J M Thorp

    The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
    |December 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    High plasma fibrinogen levels significantly increase heart attack risk, independent of other factors. This finding highlights fibrinogen as a crucial coronary risk indicator for identifying individuals susceptible to myocardial infarction.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Hematology
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
    • Identifying reliable indicators of heart attack susceptibility is crucial for preventive strategies.
    • Plasma fibrinogen's role as a cardiovascular risk marker requires further elucidation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the association between plasma fibrinogen levels and the incidence of heart attacks in men without pre-existing CHD.
    • To determine if plasma fibrinogen is an independent predictor of heart attack risk.

    Main Methods:

    • A cohort of 297 men aged 40-69, free from overt CHD at baseline, was observed.
    • Plasma fibrinogen levels were measured at the start of the study.
    • Follow-up averaged 7.3 years to record new heart attacks.

    Main Results:

    • A significant positive correlation was observed between initial plasma fibrinogen levels and subsequent heart attack incidence.
    • Men with high fibrinogen had a substantially higher heart attack risk, especially when combined with high cholesterol or blood pressure.
    • Plasma fibrinogen emerged as a significant and independent predictor of heart attacks, comparable in importance to cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking.

    Conclusions:

    • Elevated plasma fibrinogen is a significant independent risk factor for heart attacks.
    • Plasma fibrinogen levels should be incorporated into risk assessment profiles for identifying individuals at high risk of myocardial infarction.

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