Abstract
Easily measured in large series of samples, fibrinogen has been extensively studied in the epidemiology of cardiovascular risk factors. Ten large studies have concluded that fibrinogen is a risk factor of equal or higher value than total cholesterol.
In coronary diseases, fibrinogen is an independent risk factor and has a prognostic value. After stroke, high fibrinogen level is an index of severity. In peripheral arterial disease, it indicates the risk of reocclusion after surgery. The role of fibrinogen in arterial occlusion is multiple: composition of the atheroma plaque, thrombi formation, endothelial injury, hyperviscosity. Many parameters increase fibrinogen: inflammation, ageing, smoking. Genetic control of fibrinogen is a promising field for future research in epidemiology.
Many drugs decrease fibrinogen: fibrates, platelet inhibitor ticlopidin and should be used for this purpose. Lastly, physical exercise, if sustained enough, effectively reduces fibrinogen.
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