Fibrinogen levels in normotensive and hypertensive men: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare plasma fibrinogen levels in hypertensive and normotensive men. Possible confounding factors, such as age, cholesterol levels, body-mass index and smoking habits were also to be considered. We studied 708 men with essential hypertension (according to the World Health Organization's criteria) and 944 with normal blood pressures, all of whom had similar lifestyles; the overall age range was 18-60 years. The clinical evaluation included measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, body weight and height as well as a medical examination and personal habits history. After an overnight fast, blood samples were taken in order to measure fibrinogen and total-cholesterol levels. The mean fibrinogen level did not differ between the groups, although the distribution of the levels was different and was J-shaped in the hypertensive group. Plasma fibrinogen levels increased significantly with age in both groups. A significant positive correlation was found between fibrinogen and total-cholesterol levels, but not between fibrinogen and body-mass index or systolic or diastolic blood pressures. Cigarette smokers had significantly higher fibrinogen levels than non-smokers, irrespective of their blood pressure status; ex-smokers had intermediate values, suggesting a direct but reversible effect of tobacco. In cigarette smokers, fibrinogen levels increased with the number of cigarettes smoked, which is indicative of a dose-response relationship. This study confirms the strong association between fibrinogen levels and smoking and the weaker association with age and total-cholesterol levels. Mean fibrinogen level was not significantly related to blood pressure, although the distribution of fibrinogen levels appeared to be J-shaped in hypertensive men.