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Updated: Jul 23, 2026
13:08
Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Fibrinogen and cerebrovascular disease
1Department of Clinical Geratology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary, U.K.
European Heart Journal
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Fibrinogen is a key risk factor for ischemic stroke, independent of other blood factors. Managing fibrinogen levels may help prevent strokes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Fibrinogen's role in stroke risk is debated.
- Reactive fibrinogen elevations after stroke complicate case-control studies.
- Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) show no immediate fibrinogen increase, aiding reliable study design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify fibrinogen's role as a risk factor for ischemic stroke.
- To differentiate fibrinogen's association with occlusive stroke versus intracerebral hemorrhage.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking fibrinogen to athero-thromboembolism.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of prospective observational studies.
- Case-control studies using patients with recent TIAs.
- Examination of relationships between fibrinogen and other hemostatic/haemorheological factors.
- Review of studies on fibrinogen levels and carotid artery stenosis.
Main Results:
- Fibrinogen is a significant risk factor for occlusive stroke, second only to blood pressure.
- The association is independent of other hemostatic factors like von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator.
- Fibrinogen may accelerate atherosclerosis and contribute to thrombosis, but not primarily through increased blood viscosity.
Conclusions:
- Fibrinogen is a crucial, potentially treatable risk factor for ischemic stroke.
- It should be incorporated into individual risk assessments for stroke.
- Mechanisms include promoting thrombosis and accelerating atherosclerosis.
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