Hemostatic factors and the risk of myocardial infarction or sudden death in patients with angina pectoris

Article Abstract:

High blood levels of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) may increase the risk of heart attack in patients with angina pectoris. These chemicals are involved in blood clot formation and destruction. Researchers followed 2,960 men and women who had coronary angiography to detect coronary artery disease. Blood samples were taken and tested for fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor and tPA. The men and women were followed for two years. By the end of the study, 106 patients had a heart attack or died suddenly from cardiac causes. On average, blood levels of fibrinogen were six percent higher in the patients who experienced heart attack or sudden death. Von Willebrand factor and tPA levels were up 8.5% and 10.2%, respectively, in the patients who subsequently experienced heart attack or sudden death. Patients with the highest fibrinogen levels had three times the risk of experiencing a heart attack or sudden death. Patients with low fibrinogen levels had a low risk of death even if they had elevated cholesterol levels.

Sudden death, Von Willebrand factor

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Hemostatic function and coronary artery disease

Article Abstract:

Several studies have shown a link between blood levels of fibrinogen and subsequent risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. A 1995 study found that the risk of heart attack in approximately 3,000 men and women with angina pectoris was higher in those who had elevated fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor and tPA. These chemicals are all involved in blood clotting. It is unclear whether this association is a result of the inflammatory nature of coronary artery disease or whether these factors can cause abnormal blood clotting that can lead to a heart attack. If the latter is true, further research can lead to effective treatments to prevent abnormal blood clotting. Measuring blood levels of these chemicals will allow doctors to identify patients at risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack.

Editorial, Atherosclerosis

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Association between preinfarction angina and a lower risk of right ventricular infarction

Article Abstract:

Chest pain prior to a heart attack may have a protective effect on the heart. Researchers examined 113 patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction caused by blockage of the right coronary artery. Fifty-five percent of the patients experienced angina prior to the heart attack. The odds of damage to the right ventricle were about six times as high among patients who did not feel chest pain in the three days before the attack. Patients with angina also had lower rates of low blood pressure and shock. Chest pain may condition the heart to reduced blood flow.

Angina pectoris, Heart ventricle, Right, Right heart ventricle

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