[Fibrinogen: a "new" cardiovascular risk factor]

Abstract

There can be little doubt today that fibrinogen is a major cardiovascular risk factor. In spite of this clear message, many fundamental problems are as yet unsolved. We know too little at present about the determinants of the "normal" fibrinogen level, about the biochemical control of its synthesis, and about the mechanisms involved in harming the circulatory system. From a practical point of view we can use today's knowledge 1) to identify individuals at risk, 2) to normalize (within limits) their plasma fibrinogen levels. A precondition for the latter strategy would be that fibrinogen and the cardiovascular risk are causally related. Even though the published data does support this view, it has to be established more firmly in the future.