Tissue plasminogen activator and leucocyte elastase as predictors of cardiovascular events in subjects with angina pectoris: Edinburgh Artery Study

Smith, F.B., Fowkes, F.G.R., Rumley, A.,, Lee, A.J., Lowe, G.D.O. and Hau, C.M. (2000) Tissue plasminogen activator and leucocyte elastase as predictors of cardiovascular events in subjects with angina pectoris: Edinburgh Artery Study. European Heart Journal, 21(19), pp. 1607-1613. (doi: 10.1053/euhj.2000.2127)

Abstract

Aims<br/> To evaluate the relationship between haemostatic and rheological factors and cardiovascular outcome in subjects with angina pectoris in the general population.<br/> Methods and Results<br/> Two hundred and seven men and women aged 55-74 had evidence of angina at baseline. Sixty-seven (32.3%) had a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event during follow-up. Median levels of tissue plasminogen activator antigen and leucocyte elastase were higher in the event group compared with the no event group (10.0 ng . ml(-1) vs 7.2 ng . ml(-1); P less than or equal to 0.001, and 40.3 ng . ml(-1) vs 31.0 ng . ml(-1); P less than or equal to 0.01, respectively). Whole blood viscosity was also significantly higher in the event group than in the no event group (3.80 mPa.s vs 3.53 mPa.s; P less than or equal to 0.05). After adjusting for age and sex, unit increases in both tissue plasminogen activator antigen and leucocyte elastase levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of a cardiovascular event. These associations remained after further adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and baseline myocardial infarction. The relative risks were 2.07 (95% CI, 1.30-3.45; P less than or equal to 0.01) for tissue plasminogen activator antigen and 1.95 (95% CI, 1.12-3.50; P less than or equal to 0.05) for leucocyte elastase. <br/>Conclusion<br/> Disturbed fibrinolysis and activation of leucocytes may be implicated in the development of thrombotic cardiovascular events in subjects with angina pectoris in the general population.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Rumley, Dr Ann and Lowe, Professor Gordon
• Authors: Smith, F.B., Fowkes, F.G.R., Rumley, A.,, Lee, A.J., Lowe, G.D.O., and Hau, C.M.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine; Q Science > QP Physiology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: European Heart Journal
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0195-668X
• ISSN (Online): 0195-668x
• Copyright Holders: © Copyright (Publishing Group?)