Fibrinogen, D-Dimer and Thrombin-Antithrombin Complexes in a Random Population Sample: Relationships with Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors

1994 ◽  
Vol 71 (05) ◽  
pp. 581-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Giansante ◽  
Nicola Fiotti ◽  
Luigi Cattin ◽  
Paolo Giovanni Da Col ◽  
Salvatore Calabrese

SummaryFibrinogen is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and both D-Dimer and Thrombin-Antithrombin complexes may be suitable as laboratory markers of deep venous thrombosis and are becoming more widespread in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to evaluate their normal range and to examine their correlation with various cardiovascular risk factors. Fibrinogen, D-Dimer and Thrombin-Antithrombin complexes were assessed in 516 normal subjects randomly selected from the National Health Service register of Trieste (Italy). In our community the mean value of fibrinogen was 283 ± 71 mg/dl. Fibrinogen increases with age in males and was significantly higher in male smokers. In non-smokers, females had significantly higher fibrinogen values than males. The mean value of D-Dimer was 306 ± 130 ng/ml. In females it is significantly higher. The fibrinogen and D-Dimer correlation coefficient was 0.20 (p < 0.001). The mean level of Thrombin-Antithrombin complexes was 6.25 ±6.8 ng/ml with a distribution markedly skewed towards the left; males had lower concentration than females (p = 0.047). Multiple regression analysis for fibrinogen as a dependent variable showed that D-Dimer, LDL- eholesterol, Body-Mass Index and Thrombin-Antithrombin complexes were poor predictors for fibrinogen plasma levels (R2 = 0.23) and that fibrinogen, ApoAl and age can explain only about 10% of the observed variability in D-Dimer.

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohane Gadama

BackgroundThe Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) is preparing to set up the first stroke unit in Blantyre, Malawi. We conducted this audit to assess current stroke management practices and outcomes at QECH and identify priority areas for intervention.MethodsFrom April to June 2018, we prospectively enrolled patients with acute stroke and collected data on clinical presentation, cardiovascular risk factors, investigations and interventions, in-hospital outcomes, and follow-up plans after discharge. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines were used as the standard of care for comparison.ResultsFifty patients with acute stroke were enrolled (46% women, 54% men). The mean age was 63.1 years (95% CI: 59.7–66.6). The diagnosis of stroke was based on the World Health Organization criteria. The diagnosis was made within 24 hours of admission in 19 patients (38%). Acute revascularisation therapy was not available. Forty-eight patients (96%) had their vital signs checked at baseline and <10% had their vital signs checked more than three times within the first 24 hours. Essential blood tests including random blood sugar (RBS), full blood count (FBC), urea/creatinine, and lipid profiles were performed in 72%, 68%, 48%, and 4%, respectively. An electrocardiogram was performed on 34 patients (68%). Blood pressure on admission was >140/90 mmHg in 34 patients (68%), including 4 with values >220/120 mmHg. Nine patients had an RBS >10 mmol/L and four received insulin. Prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis was offered to 12 patients (24%). Aspiration pneumonia was reported in 16 patients (32%) and was the most common hospital complication. The mean duration of hospitalisation was 10.4 days (95% CI: 5.6–15.2), and case fatality was 18%. The modified Rankin scale at discharge was ≤2 in 32% of patients. Only four patients (8%) were transferred to a rehabilitation centre. At the time of discharge, only 32% of patients received education on stroke.ConclusionAcute stroke care is less than optimal in this setting. Simple interventions such as reducing the delay in making a stroke diagnosis, early swallow assessments, and closer monitoring of vital signs could make a significant difference in stroke outcome. Furthermore, treating cardiovascular risk factors and setting up health education programmes to improve secondary prevention represent key priorities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fernanda Brandão de Resende Guimarães ◽  
Carlos Ewerton Maia Rodrigues ◽  
Kirla Wagner Poti Gomes ◽  
Carla Jorge Machado ◽  
Claiton Viegas Brenol ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a well-documented independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Obesity may provide an additional link between inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis in RA. Objective To evaluate the association between obesity and disease parameters and cardiovascular risk factors in RA patients. Method Cross-sectional study of a cohort of RA patients from three Brazilian teaching hospitals. Information on demographics, clinical parameters and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors was collected. Blood pressure, weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were measured during the first consultation. Laboratory data were retrieved from medical records. Obesity was defined according to the NCEP/ATPIII and IDF guidelines. The prevalence of obesity was determined cross-sectionally. Disease activity was evaluated using the DAS28 system (remission < 2.6; low 2.6–3.1; moderate 3.2–5.0; high > 5.1). Results The sample consisted of 791 RA patients aged 54.7 ± 12.0 years, of whom 86.9% were women and 59.9% were Caucasian. The mean disease duration was 12.8 ± 8.9 years. Three quarters were rheumatoid factor-positive, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.1 ± 4.9, and the mean WC was 93.5 ± 12.5 cm. The observed risk factors included dyslipidemia (34.3%), type-2 diabetes (15%), hypertension (49.2%) and family history of premature cardiovascular disease (16.5%). BMI-defined obesity was highly prevalent (26.9%) and associated with age, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Increased WC was associated with diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and disease activity. Conclusion: Obesity was highly prevalent in RA patients and associated with disease activity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-101
Author(s):  
Sarah R. Valkenborghs ◽  
Kirk I. Erickson ◽  
Michael Nilsson ◽  
Paulette van Vliet ◽  
Robin Callister

ABSTRACT Background: Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are prevalent and poorly managed in people after stroke. Aerobic exercise is effective in reducing many modifiable cardiovascular risk factors after stroke but is challenging and under-researched in nonambulant persons. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility of aerobic interval training in nonambulant persons after stroke. Methods: Aerobic exercise was performed on an upright or semi-recumbent cycle ergometer. Participants were prescribed 4 × 4-min intervals of exercise at 85% maximum age-predicted heart rate (APHRmax) with a 3-min active recovery at 70%APHRmax per 30-min session, 3 times per week for 10 weeks. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, workload, cadence, and duration of exercise achieved were recorded for each interval. Results: Nine participants (mean ± SD; age 62 ± 12 y; 5 males) unable to walk without assistance after stroke (2.9 ± 3.9 y) were recruited. There were no adverse events reported, but there was one dropout (due to bronchitis). Attendance for the remaining participants was 93 ± 6%. The mean training %APHRmax was 72 ± 14% for the higher intensity interval and 57 ± 21% for the recovery interval. The mean increase in training workload between weeks 1 and 10 was 11.2 ± 11.6 W (27 ± 28%) for the higher intensity interval and 4.0 ± 7.7W (17 ± 33%) for the recovery interval. The mean increase in VO2peak was 2.3 ± 2.9 mL·kg−1·min−1 (18 ± 22%) over the 10-week intervention. Conclusion: Aerobic interval training at a moderate-vigorous intensity on an upright or recumbent cycle ergometer is feasible for nonambulant persons after stroke. Aerobic interval training should be further investigated to determine its potential to improve cardiorespiratory fitness after stroke and risk factors for recurrent stroke.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Paul Muambngu Milambo ◽  
Maritha Kotze ◽  
Erasmus Rajiv ◽  
John Akudugu ◽  
Tamuzi Lukenze Jacques

Abstract Background: Chronic inflammation is associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, and different types of malignancies that may play a complex role in the risk of breast cancer (BC) recurrence and therapy related side effects. The purpose of this review was to determine the effects of lifestyle interventions on mediators of inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)) and other therapy related adverse events in postmenopausal BCS with cardiovascular related risk factors. Methods: A systematic search for relevant articles was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis criteria using available databases (PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, OpenGrey, Google Scholar and CENTRAL). Results: Twelve eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT) met the inclusion criteria. The mean ages of postmenopausal BC women ranged from 49 to 56 years. The meta-regression revealed that there was moderate evidence that MSE decreased the mean difference (MD) of inflammatory markers in BCS, with CVD risk factors (MD: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.57, P=0.02; heterogeneity: Tau² = 0. 12; Chi² = 106.30, df = 19, I² = 0. 50.4%). Conclusion: There is a moderate level of evidence on the effects of MSE on mediators of inflammation in postmenopausal BCS with cardiovascular risk factors. A number of shared risk factors between postmenopausal status and CVD should be considered, while treating postmenopausal BCS.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor J Del Brutto ◽  
Jose G Romano ◽  
Robertino M Mera ◽  
Jonathan P Amodio ◽  
Tatjana Rundek ◽  
...  

Background: Epidemiological information on extracranial carotid atherosclerosis (ECA) among Amerindians is limited. We aim to determine the prevalence of subclinical ECA and its correlation with cardiovascular risk factors in community-dwelling adults of Amerindian ancestry living in a rural Ecuadorian village. Methods: Utilizing a population-based design, stroke-free individuals aged ≥40 years were invited to undergo carotid ultrasound. Subclinical ECA was defined as an intima-media thickness (cIMT) >1mm and/or the presence of carotid plaques (focal intima thickening >1.5mm that protrudes into the lumen). Degree of luminal stenosis was calculated and considered significant if >50%. We investigated the association between these biomarkers and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Of 728 candidates, 559 (77%) stroke-free individuals underwent carotid sonographic evaluation and were included. The mean age was 62.3 ±12.5 and 238 (43%) were men. The mean value of the cIMT was 0.85 ± 0.17mm (median cIMT: 0.83mm; IQ range: 0.74-0.92 mm). The prevalence of increased cIMT, carotid plaques, and increased cIMT and/or carotid plaques were 14%, 23.8%, and 26.1%, respectively. Table depicts the association of these biomarkers with cardiovascular risk factors. A multinomial logistic regression model, using individuals with normal carotids as the referent category, showed significant associations of ECA with increasing age, male gender, smoking and high blood pressure. Significant carotid stenosis was found in 19 subjects (3.4%). Conclusions: About one-fourth of Amerindians living in a rural setting have subclinical ECA. Increasing age, male gender, smoking and high blood pressure were independent determinants of the burden of ECA, while elevated glucose and total cholesterol showed no significant association. Obesity was inversely associated with ECA in univariate analysis, but such association disappeared in the multivariate model.


2020 ◽  
Vol 120 (12) ◽  
pp. 1597-1628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grigoris T. Gerotziafas ◽  
Mariella Catalano ◽  
Mary-Paula Colgan ◽  
Zsolt Pecsvarady ◽  
Jean Claude Wautrecht ◽  
...  

AbstractCOVID-19 is also manifested with hypercoagulability, pulmonary intravascular coagulation, microangiopathy, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) or arterial thrombosis. Predisposing risk factors to severe COVID-19 are male sex, underlying cardiovascular disease, or cardiovascular risk factors including noncontrolled diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension, obesity, and advanced age. The VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine draws attention to patients with vascular disease (VD) and presents an integral strategy for the management of patients with VD or cardiovascular risk factors (VD-CVR) and COVID-19. VAS recommends (1) a COVID-19-oriented primary health care network for patients with VD-CVR for identification of patients with VD-CVR in the community and patients' education for disease symptoms, use of eHealth technology, adherence to the antithrombotic and vascular regulating treatments, and (2) close medical follow-up for efficacious control of VD progression and prompt application of physical and social distancing measures in case of new epidemic waves. For patients with VD-CVR who receive home treatment for COVID-19, VAS recommends assessment for (1) disease worsening risk and prioritized hospitalization of those at high risk and (2) VTE risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban, betrixaban, or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for those at high risk. For hospitalized patients with VD-CVR and COVID-19, VAS recommends (1) routine thromboprophylaxis with weight-adjusted intermediate doses of LMWH (unless contraindication); (2) LMWH as the drug of choice over unfractionated heparin or direct oral anticoagulants for the treatment of VTE or hypercoagulability; (3) careful evaluation of the risk for disease worsening and prompt application of targeted antiviral or convalescence treatments; (4) monitoring of D-dimer for optimization of the antithrombotic treatment; and (5) evaluation of the risk of VTE before hospital discharge using the IMPROVE-D-dimer score and prolonged post-discharge thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban, betrixaban, or LMWH.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252321
Author(s):  
Catharina Busch ◽  
Julius L. Katzmann ◽  
Claudia Jochmann ◽  
Jan Darius Unterlauft ◽  
Daniela Vollhardt ◽  
...  

Purpose Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension or dyslipidemia can influence the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). The aim of this study is to describe the comorbidities in patients with DME. Methods Prospective, monocentric observational study. Patients presenting for the treatment of DME received laboratory and clinical examinations including 24-hour blood pressure measurement. Results Seventy-five consecutive patients were included in the study. The mean age was 61.0 ± 14.5 years, and 83% had type 2 diabetes. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 32.8 ± 6.0 kg/m2. Overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) was present in 92% of all patients. HbA1c values were > 7.0% in 57%. Although 87% of the patients already received antihypertensive therapy, the blood pressure (BP) of 82% was still above the recommended target values of systolic < 140 mmHg and diastolic < 80 mmHg. An insufficient nocturnal fall of the systolic BP (< 10%, non-dipping or reverse dipping) was observed in 62%. In 83% of the patients the glomerular filtration rate was ≤ 90 ml/min/1.73m2. Despite 65% of the cohort already receiving lipid-lowering therapy, LDL cholesterol was above the target value of 1.4 mmol/l in 93%. All patients had at least one cardiovascular risk factor in addition to diabetes (overweight, hypertension, insufficient nocturnal BP fall, dyslipidemia, or renal dysfunction) and 86% had ≥ 3 risk factors. Conclusion DME patients are characterized by highly prevalent cardiovascular risk factors that are poorly controlled. These comorbidities reduce the prognosis and negatively influence existing DR and DME. The data reveal an important opportunity for improving patient care by interaction of the ophthalmologist with the general practitioner and internal specialists for the detection and treatment of these conditions.


2012 ◽  
pp. 587-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. LEJSKOVÁ ◽  
Š. ALUŠÍK ◽  
Z. VALENTA ◽  
S. ADÁMKOVÁ ◽  
J. PIŤHA

Cardiovascular disease, while rare in women of reproductive age, is the main cause of mortality in menopause. The purpose of our study was to determine the association of natural menopause with cardiovascular risk factors, including their clustering into metabolic syndrome (MS). A random 5 % representative population sample of women aged 45-54 years was examined. In 575 women, we were able to determine their natural reproductive aging status. Multiple regression analysis was used to calculate the association between age, menopausal status, and risk factors under study. After adjustment for age, there was an increase in the odds ratio of developing MS, as defined by NCEP (OR=2.0; 95 % CI [1.1; 3.7]), and an increase in plasma lipid ratios (total cholesterol/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, apolipoprotein-B/apolipoprotein-A1; p<0.05 for all) in postmenopausal women. Age, but not menopausal status, was associated with some single components of MS; only waist circumference significantly increased after menopause, independently of age. Clustering of risk factors in MS and lipid ratios (combined factors) was strongly associated with menopause whereas worsening of single components of MS was strongly associated with age. In conclusion, based on our results, the menopause may pose a risk to women through clustering of cardiovascular risk factors beyond simple aging.


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