LIPID-HEMOSTASIS INTERACTIONS - A NEW APPROACH TO CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS

New cardiovascular risk factors: A causal link would appear to exist b etween hemostasis and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly tru e for fibrinogen which is an independent risk factor. Multiple interac tions: There is an association between elevated triglyceride and FVIIc (pro-coagulant) levels and hypofibrinolytic PAI-I. In addition, an as sociation exists between elevated cholesterol and FVIIc and platelet a ctivation. Lipid lowering drugs affect hemostasis: The hemostasis equi librium is modulated by diet, in addition, fibrinogen levels are lower ed by fibrates and platelet activation and thrombin generation are dec reased by statins. These modifications have a potential clinical inter est. Such observations remain to be confirmed by cardiovascular preven tion studies with the specific objective oi evaluating the effect of l ipid lowering drugs on hemostasis parameters.