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Seasonal changes in haemostatic factors in young and elderly subjects
R W Stout1, V L Crawford, M J McDermott
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast, Whitla Medical Building, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BT, UK.
Insights
Elderly individuals face increased cardiovascular disease risk in colder weather due to age-related changes in blood clotting factors. This study reveals how factors like fibrinogen and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are altered, potentially increasing atherothrombotic disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Hematology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality are higher in colder seasons, particularly among the elderly.
- Previous research indicates elevated fibrinogen levels in older adults during winter months.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between age, season, and haemostatic factors.
- To understand how these factors influence the risk of atherothrombotic disease in different age groups and seasons.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of haemostatic factors (fibrinogen, tPA, protein S, protein C, antiplasmin, PAI) between young (25-30 years) and old (≥75 years) subjects.
- Analysis of seasonal variations (winter vs. other months) in these factors.
Main Results:
- Old subjects exhibited higher levels of fibrinogen, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), protein S, and protein C compared to young subjects.
- Antiplasmin levels were lower in old subjects.
- Antiplasmin and protein C levels decreased in winter for both age groups.
- Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) increased in winter.
- tPA levels were higher in old subjects during winter.
Conclusions:
- Haemostatic system factors show complex interrelationships influenced by age and season.
- The fibrinolytic system may adapt in 'successful' elderly individuals to maintain haemostatic balance.
- Both advanced age and cold weather appear to elevate the risk of atherothrombotic disease.
Abstract:
Morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease are more common in colder seasons, especially in elderly people. Previous studies have shown higher fibrinogen levels in old people in the winter months. The present studies of haemostatic factors in relation to age and season have shown that fibrinogen, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), protein S and protein C levels are higher in old (aged 75 years and over) than young (aged 25-30 years) subjects while antiplasmin levels are lower in old people. Antiplasmin and protein C levels are lower in winter in both young and old while plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) is higher, and tPA higher in old people only. This study illustrates the complex interrelationships of the haemostatic system and may suggest that in 'successful' elderly people the fibrinolytic system may alter to maintain the delicate balance between thrombogenic and fibrinolytic activity. Nevertheless, the results presented here suggest that both old age and cold weather may increase the risk of atherothrombotic disease.