Coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in normotensive hypertension-prone men

Objective To evaluate whether a family history of hypertension is associated with disturbances in the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, Subjects Thirty-five normotensive men with a family history of hypertension (relatives) and 27 age- and body mass index-matched controls with a family history (controls). Methods Insulin sensitivity was determined with a euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique. Maximal oxygen uptake was estimated from a submaximal work test. Blood samples were analysed for several coagulation and fibrinolytic factors. Results Relatives had higher plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Levels of plasma factor VII, prothrombin fragments 1 and 2, fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor antigen did not differ significantly between the groups. However, antithrombin III, protein C and protein S levels were higher in the relatives than in the controls, Coagulation and fibrinolytic factors correlated to waist circumference, insulin sensitivity, maximal oxygen uptake and serum triglycerides level. Conclusions Normotensive men with a family history of hypertension have an inhibited fibrinolysis, but also higher levels of several anticoagulant factors. The clinical application of these findings for the future development of cardiovascular disease warrants additional studies.