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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Fibrinogen and cardiovascular disease in clinical practice
1Wolfson Unit for Prevention of Peripheral Vascular Diseases, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, U.K.
Insights
Plasma fibrinogen shows potential for predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD). Further research is needed on measurement standardization, risk assessment communication, and the effectiveness of lowering fibrinogen levels for CVD prevention.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Plasma fibrinogen is a key protein in blood clotting.
- Its role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prediction is under investigation.
- Current clinical practice does not routinely measure plasma fibrinogen for CVD risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of plasma fibrinogen as a routine biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prediction.
- To identify necessary advancements for incorporating fibrinogen measurement into clinical practice.
- To assess the clinical utility of plasma fibrinogen in primary and secondary CVD prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on fibrinogen and CVD.
- Analysis of requirements for standardized fibrinogen measurement methods.
- Examination of risk communication strategies for clinicians and the public.
- Evaluation of evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions to lower plasma fibrinogen.
Main Results:
- Standardization of fibrinogen measurement methods is required, considering assay type, variability, standards, and cost.
- Further research is needed to establish fibrinogen's value as a risk marker for cardiovascular events.
- Effective communication of CVD risk, incorporating factors like smoking, blood pressure, and lipids, is essential.
- The impact of lowering plasma fibrinogen on cardiovascular outcomes remains to be definitively established.
Conclusions:
- Plasma fibrinogen measurement is not yet standard for CVD risk prediction.
- Key areas for development include measurement standardization, risk communication, and therapeutic intervention effectiveness.
- Future research and clinical trials are crucial to determine fibrinogen's role in CVD management.
Abstract:
Plasma fibrinogen is not measured routinely in clinical practice for prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but further modest advances in the research investigating fibrinogen and CVD may make this a reality. First, agreement must be reached on the most appropriate method of measurement in clinical practice taking account of the type of fibrinogen to be assayed, the sources and degree of measurement variability, the development of standards and the financial costs. Secondly, further information is required on the value of plasma fibrinogen as a useful risk marker in the primary and secondary prediction of future cardiovascular events. There is a need to express risks in a format which is useful to the general public and to clinicians, and which takes account of associated risks of cigarette smoking, blood pressure, and serum lipids. Finally, the effectiveness of lowering plasma fibrinogen levels in patients with CVD is not yet established. Fibrate drugs are warranted in patients with high-risk lipid profiles, but their effects on cardiovascular outcome due to lowering of plasma fibrinogen await the results of current randomized trials.
