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Fibrinogen: a new major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A review of the literature
1Galician Health Service, Primary Care Center of A Baña (La Coruña), Spain.
Insights
Plasma fibrinogen is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, increasing risks for heart attack and stroke. Elevated fibrinogen levels are linked to higher rates of cardiovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hematology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Plasma fibrinogen is a key protein in blood clotting.
- Epidemiological studies increasingly identify fibrinogen as a major cardiovascular disease risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiological studies, clinical trials, pathophysiology, and therapeutic options related to plasma fibrinogen and cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of prospective epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of clinical trial data.
- Examination of pathophysiological mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Plasma fibrinogen is a strong, independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Individuals in the top third of fibrinogen levels have 1.8 to 4.1 times higher risk for ischemic heart disease or stroke compared to those in the lower third.
- Fibrinogen's role in hemorrheology, hemostasis, and atherogenesis contributes to cardiovascular risk.
Conclusions:
- Plasma fibrinogen is a critical determinant of cardiovascular disease risk.
- Understanding fibrinogen's role is essential for developing effective cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment strategies.
Abstract:
During the last decade, several epidemiological studies have reliably demonstrated that plasma fibrinogen is a strong and independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease that is at least as important as more traditional risk factors for the disease. The deleterious effects of this protein seem to be mediated through its role in hemorrheology, hemostasis, and the atherogenic process itself. According to prospective epidemiological studies, the risk of developing a cardiovascular event such as ischemic heart disease or stroke is 1.8 to 4.1 times higher in subjects with fibrinogen levels in the top third than in those with levels in the lower third. Epidemiological studies, clinical trials, pathophysiology, and therapeutical possibilities are reviewed in this paper.