An independent risk factor: Pathophysiological and epidemiological data sho
w that fibrinogen is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis with a
synergistic effect on classical risk factors.
Coronary arteries: Serum fibrinogen level is an independent predictor of th
e presence and severity of atheromatous lesions of the coronary arteries. I
t is also predictive of coronary events such as sudden death, myocardial in
farction or angina pectoris.
Other vessels: Fibrinogen is also a marker of cerebrovascular events or tra
nsient ischemia and a factor predictive of recurrent cerebrovascular events
. Serum fibrinogen level is correlated with the progression of carotid lesi
ons. Finally, fibrinogen is an independent predictive factor of the severit
y of atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta, lower limb arteriopathy, and mo
re generally silent atherosclerotic plaques.
Perspectives: A large-scale prospective study is needed to determine whethe
r drug-induced reduction in serum fibrinogen can reduce the rate of cardiov
ascular events. (C) 2000, Masson, Paris.