Fibrinogen: a cardiovascular risk factor

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.