LOW-GRADE ACUTE-PHASE REACTIONS IN ARTERIOSCLEROSIS AND THE CONSEQUENCES FOR HEMOSTATIC RISK-FACTORS

Acute-phase markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leucocyte count and plasma levels of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein are increased in individuals at risk of a cardiac event. This was established in several large prospective studies. Increased plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen in plasma have been reported to indicate the risk of a myocardial infarction in a few clinical studies. There is circumstantial evidence that also these parameters are associated with acute-phase response.