Fibrinogen in the offspring of men with premature coronary artery disease

Abstract

We examined whether the levels of fibrinogen are elevated in the offspring of middle-aged coronary patients. One hundred and seventy-six young subjects were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 100 children and youngsters (mean age 17 +/- 6 years) whose fathers had sustained a myocardial infarction under the age 55 years without associated history of diabetes mellitus or hypertension. Seventy-six healthy young subjects (mean age 18 +/- 5 years) matched for gender, dietary and smoking habits without familial history of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus or hypertension served as the control group (group B). Fibrinogen, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) were measured. Sons and daughters with a history of premature paternal myocardial infarction had higher levels of fibrinogen compared with control subjects (304.1 +/- 60 vs 274 +/- 53 mg. dl-1, P < 0.001). This difference was maintained when the above groups were divided into single sex groups. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) were also significantly higher in group A. Children of affected individuals who had a good lipid profile also had significantly higher fibrinogen levels compared to control group. The results support the hypothesis that the higher plasma levels of fibrinogen in the offspring of middle-aged coronary men could partially explain their predisposition for coronary artery disease. Since the levels of fibrinogen have a major genetic component, they could be a useful marker in identifying children at high risk for coronary artery disease, especially among those with no lipid abnormalities.

Cardiovascular risk factors in children with obesity, hypertension and diabetes: lipoprotein(a) levels and body mass index correlate with family history of cardiovascular disease

“…In the study, an increased concentration of FB was not found for children with a positive FH. However, data from the literature indicate a higher concentration of FB in children with a FH of premature atherosclerosis, suggesting that elevated FB may be an important marker for risk of cardiac insufficiency in children with a normal lipid profile [23].…”

Activated and Total Coagulation Factor VII, and Fibrinogen in Coronary Artery Disease

“…Prothrombin fragment 1 2 elevation has been demonstrated for at least 6 months following an acute coronary event (21), but it has been suggested that the increased risk of future coronary thrombosis in patients with increased FBG or C-reactive protein may be due to an inflammatory component to atherosclerosis in those prone to plaque rupture (34). Furthermore, increased FBG in individuals may be genetically determined (29).…”

Tissue Plasminogen Activator, Fibrin D-Dimer, and Insulin Resistance in the Relatives of Patients With Premature Coronary Artery Disease

“…Elevated fibrinogen concentrations have been reported in the healthy members of families in which coronary disease has occurred prematurely. 15,16 Given the association between fibrinogen and insulin resistance, 17 increased levels of fibrinogen may act as a potential confounder in studies of the insulin resistance syndrome in such families.…”