Changes in plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine and lipid profile in coronary artery disease patients of north Indian (Punjab) popu- lation

Conventional risk factors such as age, smoking, hyperlipidemia and hypertension do not explain all the mortality and morbidity due to coronary artery disease. Novel factors like plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine, C reactive protein have been recently recognized as independent risk factors for coronary artery disease. The objective of the present study was to examine the change in plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine along with lipid profile in the pathogenesis of angiographically established coronary artery disease. 75 male patients in the age range of 30-60 years with angiographically established coronary artery disease and equal number of age and sex matched normal healthy subjects were recruited in the present study. Coronary artery disease patients had significant high plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine, total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels whereas the level of HDL-cholesterol significantly decreased in them as compared to normal healthy subjects (control). Elevated levels of plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine contribute significantly to the risk of coronary artery disease and might be considered in screening program to identify individuals at increased thrombotic risk.