[Lipids/hemostasis interactions. A new approach to cardiovascular risk factors]

NEW CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS: A causal link would appear to exist between hemostasis and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true for fibrinogen which is an independent risk factor. MULTIPLE INTERACTIONS: There is an association between elevated triglyceride and FVIIc (pro-coagulant) levels and hypofibrinolytic PAI-1. In addition, an association exists between elevated cholesterol and FVIIc and platelet activation. LIPID LOWERING DRUGS AFFECT HEMOSTASIS: The hemostasis equilibrium is modulated by diet. In addition, fibrinogen levels are lowered by fibrates and platelet activation and thrombin generation are decreased by statins. These modifications have a potential clinical interest. Such observations remain to be confirmed by cardiovascular prevention studies with the specific objective of evaluating the effect of lipid lowering drugs on hemostasis parameters.