Altered Endogenous Fibrinolysis and Biochemical Factors in Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Biochemical and fibrinolytic factors that may affect atherogenesis were evaluated in 1,077 subjects. Eight hundred thirty-six (78%) of them, of mean age 60.1 years, were found free of symptoms of atherosclerosis, while 241 (22%) of mean age 63.7 years, had definite signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis. There was a significant depression of the fibrinolytic activity in the atherosclerotic group, and fibrinogen, glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were also increased. An age-matched comparison was carried out to eliminate the effect of difference between the two groups. The changes in the tested parameters remained significant, but, in addition, coagulation as measured by the activated partial thromboplastin time was significantly prolonged in the age-matched atherosclerotic group. The results suggest that depressed endogenous fibrinolytic activity and other biochemical changes may be factors in atherogenesis.