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Social network in relation to plasma fibrinogen
A Helminen1, T Rankinen, S Väisänen
1Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Kuopio, Finland.
Journal of Biosocial Science
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Social network ties influence coronary heart disease risk. Lower social participation correlated with higher plasma fibrinogen, while social support showed a complex relationship mediated by smoking and fitness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular epidemiology
- Social determinants of health
- Biomarkers of disease risk
Background:
- Social network level is inversely associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality and morbidity.
- Investigating biological pathways linking social ties to CHD is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine differences in plasma fibrinogen levels based on social network structure and function in middle-aged men.
- To identify potential mediating or modifying factors in the association between social ties and plasma fibrinogen.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving middle-aged men.
- Assessment of structural (social participation) and functional (social support) aspects of social networks.
- Measurement of plasma fibrinogen levels, with adjustments for age, smoking, cardiovascular health, and physical fitness.
Main Results:
- Lower social participation (structural) was associated with higher plasma fibrinogen, a relationship attenuated by physical fitness.
- Higher social support (functional) was associated with higher plasma fibrinogen, an association explained by smoking.
- Smoking and cardiorespiratory fitness appear to be key mediators or modifiers.
Conclusions:
- Plasma fibrinogen levels are differentially associated with structural and functional social network characteristics.
- Physical fitness and smoking play significant roles in the relationship between social ties and a key CHD biomarker.