Fibrinogen level
Fibrinogen is a blood plasma protein that is made by the liver. It is required by the body in adequate levels to stop bleeding during an injury. Too high or too little fibrinogen doesn't favor the body. Too little fibrinogen can impair the body's ability to form a stable blood clot thus resulting in bleeding disorders. High levels predispose a person to coronary and cerebral artery disease, even if other risk factors are low.
For over 10 years, extensive study on Fibrinogen levels and its impact on health are being conducted. The observations are:
- High fibrinogen levels are on par with other known risk factors such as elevated LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, obesity and diabetes.
- There is ample data that indicates a genetic connection. Fibrinogen levels have been found to be high in persons with a family history of heart disease.
- Exposure to cold increases fibrinogen levels by 23%. Consequently, mortality from heart attack and stroke are higher in winter compared to hot summer months.
- High levels of fibrinogen suggest atherosclerosis. It may also worsen existing injury to artery walls.
- Above normal fibrinogen levels increases the risks of heart attacks (two times more as compared to those with low level) and strokes.
To assess Fibrinogen levels, a blood test is required. Normal fibrinogen level is considered to be between 200 and 400 mg/L. Based on fibrinogen test results, preventive measures can be taken to keep the heart healthy. Hence Fibrinogen test is part of a general evaluation of cardiovascular disease. A test to measure fibrinogen levels is recommended for:
Alternative names for the blood test are serum fibrinogen, plasma fibrinogen, factor I and Hypofibrinogenemia test. Few days before administering the fibrinogen test, the doctor may recommend stopping medications, particularly blood thinning medications. The actual test is done by taking sample of blood from the arm. The blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis. Normal fibrinogen levels reflect the normal clotting ability of the blood. If the fibrinogen test reflects abnormal levels, certain diagnostic tests will be required to detect the exact cause. Post treatment of the underlying cause, fibrinogen levels are most likely to return to normal levels.
Afibrinogenemia
Afibrinogenemia is an inherited blood disorder that is caused due to a recessive gene. Congenital Afibrinogenemia is caused due to deficiency of fibrinogen protein that is essential for blood clotting. Afibrinogenemia is tested by checking for PT (Prothrombin time), blood clotting time, fibrinogen level and bleeding time.
Symptoms of afibrinogenemia include abnormal bleeding in Gastrointestinal tract, nose, joints and bruises. Intracranial bleeding (bleeding in the brain) is a situation that can be fatal to the patient. A person suffering from Afibrinogenemia can be given blood plasma before any surgery or to treat excessive bleeding situations. Care should be taken to ensure that the patient is vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Such patients are likely to from blood clots (thrombosis).
Tags: #Fibrinogen level #Afibrinogenemia
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Collection of Pages - Last revised Date: April 30, 2024