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Hemostasis and atherosclerosis
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamilton Civic Hospitals, Ontario.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Hemostatic factors are key in blood clot formation. While some clotting disorders don't affect atherosclerosis, elevated fibrinogen and lipoprotein (a) are linked to cardiovascular events, suggesting a role in disease development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hemostasis and Thrombosis
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Hemostatic factors are crucial for forming thrombotic plugs at sites of vascular damage.
- The direct or indirect role of hemostatic factors in atherosclerosis pathogenesis remains unclear.
- Hypercoagulable and hemophilic states do not consistently correlate with or protect against atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of hemostatic factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- To explore the link between specific hemostatic factors, such as fibrinogen and lipoprotein (a), and cardiovascular events.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets within the hemostatic system for managing atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical studies examining risk factors for cardiovascular events.
- Analysis of basic investigations demonstrating fibrin(ogen) presence in atherosclerotic plaques.
- Evaluation of the effects of factors like lipoprotein (a) on fibrinolysis and atherogenesis.
Main Results:
- Elevated fibrinogen levels are a significant, independent risk factor for arterial thrombotic events.
- Fibrin(ogen) antigens have been found in developing atherosclerotic plaques, with suggested smooth muscle mitogenic effects.
- Elevated lipoprotein (a) levels strongly correlate with cardiovascular disease and inhibit natural fibrinolysis.
Conclusions:
- Hemostatic factors, particularly fibrinogen and lipoprotein (a), may play a direct role in atherogenesis.
- Lipoprotein (a) potentially links thrombotic and lipid mechanisms in atherosclerosis.
- Further research into the hemostatic system's role in atherosclerosis could lead to new pharmacological treatments targeting factors like fibrinogen.