Associations between plasma fibrinogen levels and cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive men

R Fogari1, A Zoppi, G Marasi

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy.

Insights

Plasma fibrinogen levels are elevated in hypertensive patients and correlate with cardiovascular risk factors like smoking and high cholesterol. Family history may enhance this association.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Elevated fibrinogen levels are observed in hypertensive patients.
  • Fibrinogen often clusters with other cardiovascular risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between plasma fibrinogen and cardiovascular risk factors in essential hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 118 men (18-65 years) with essential hypertension.
  • Measured blood pressure, plasma fibrinogen, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose.
  • Collected medical and personal habits history.

Main Results:

  • Fibrinogen levels were higher in smokers, with a positive correlation to cigarette consumption.
  • Higher fibrinogen levels were associated with total cholesterol > 220 mg/dl.
  • Significant positive correlations found between fibrinogen and total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma fibrinogen is positively associated with several cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients.
  • A family history of hypertension may amplify fibrinogen's association with risk factors.
Abstract

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