Ramshanker Ramanathan1, Jørgen B Gram2, Johannes J Sidelmann2, Damini Dey3, Martin W Kusk4, Bjarne L Nørgaard5, Niels Peter R Sand6. 1. Department of Cardiology, Hospital of South West Denmark, Esbjerg, and Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital of South West Denmark, Esbjerg, and Unit for Thrombosis Research, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark. Electronic address: ramshanker.ramanathan2@rsyd.dk. 2. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital of South West Denmark, Esbjerg, and Unit for Thrombosis Research, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark. 3. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA. 4. Department of Radiology, Hospital of South West Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark. 5. Department of Cardiology, Skejby University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. 6. Department of Cardiology, Hospital of South West Denmark, Esbjerg, and Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Fibrin clot lysability is associated with development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We evaluated sex-differences in fibrin clot lysability and the association with coronary plaque composition determined by computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: Middle-aged citizens without known CVD were randomly selected from a national registry. A coronary CTA assessed volumes of calcified-, non-calcified-, low-density non-calcified-, and total- plaque using a validated plaque quantification software. A non-enhanced cardiac CT scan assessed the Agatston score. Fibrin structure properties were determined using turbidimetric methods. Plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were assessed. RESULTS: 138 individuals (71 women) participated. Men more frequently had coronary plaques compared to women, P < 0.05. Coronary plaque features were comparable between men and women, P > 0.05. Women with total plaque volume > 0 mm3 had lower fibrin clot lysability compared to women with total plaque volume = 0 mm3, adjusted difference [95% confidence interval] 10.28 [1.42-19.15], P = 0.02, and a fibrinogen-dependent lower fibrin clot lysability compared to men with and without coronary plaques, 6.82 [-2.67-16.31], P = 0.16, and 8.73 [-0.43-17.89], P = 0.06, respectively. Fibrinogen correlated with all the coronary plaque features (correlation coefficient r = 0.42-0.57) only in women with total plaque volume > 0 mm3, all P < 0.01. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic women with coronary plaques assessed by coronary CTA have reduced fibrin clot lysability compared to both women without coronary plaques and men, suggesting a sex-dependent link between coronary atherosclerosis and fibrin clot lysability.
INTRODUCTION: Fibrin clot lysability is associated with development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We evaluated sex-differences in fibrin clot lysability and the association with coronary plaque composition determined by computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: Middle-aged citizens without known CVD were randomly selected from a national registry. A coronary CTA assessed volumes of calcified-, non-calcified-, low-density non-calcified-, and total- plaque using a validated plaque quantification software. A non-enhanced cardiac CT scan assessed the Agatston score. Fibrin structure properties were determined using turbidimetric methods. Plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were assessed. RESULTS: 138 individuals (71 women) participated. Men more frequently had coronary plaques compared to women, P < 0.05. Coronary plaque features were comparable between men and women, P > 0.05. Women with total plaque volume > 0 mm3 had lower fibrin clot lysability compared to women with total plaque volume = 0 mm3, adjusted difference [95% confidence interval] 10.28 [1.42-19.15], P = 0.02, and a fibrinogen-dependent lower fibrin clot lysability compared to men with and without coronary plaques, 6.82 [-2.67-16.31], P = 0.16, and 8.73 [-0.43-17.89], P = 0.06, respectively. Fibrinogen correlated with all the coronary plaque features (correlation coefficient r = 0.42-0.57) only in women with total plaque volume > 0 mm3, all P < 0.01. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic women with coronary plaques assessed by coronary CTA have reduced fibrin clot lysability compared to both women without coronary plaques and men, suggesting a sex-dependent link between coronary atherosclerosis and fibrin clot lysability.