ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the potency of fibrinolysis components to predict the risk of coronary events. A crucial question is whether the observed changes in levels of fibrinolysis parameters in individuals at risk of a coronary event can be explained by their association with earlier known risk factors or are independent risk factors. Change of fibrinolysis components in plasma corresponding with a reduced activity has been reported in coronary artery disease, after myocardial infarction, and in diabetic complications. Atherosclerotic lesions result from an excessive inflammatory-fibroproliferative response to various forms of insult to the vascular endothelium. The European Concerted Action on Thrombosis Angina Pectoris Study, performed under the auspices of the Commission of the European Communities, is a prospective study including 3043 patients with angina pectoris with a mean age of 56 years, of whom 106 suffered from a coronary event in the 2-year follow-up period.
