Fibrinogen is a plasma glycoprotein that can be transformed by thrombin into a fibrin clot in response to vascular or tissue injury. It is also an acute phase reactant protein like CRP. Berkeley HeartLab uses nephelometry to measure fibrinogen; results cannot be used to assess coagulation status.

Clinical Implications:

The combination of elevated fibrinogen with other cardiovascular disease risk factors produces an additive risk and can substantially increase disease potential. Values in excess of 277 mg/dl have been associated with a 2.4 fold increase in coronary events compared to values less than 236 mg/dl. Subjects with elevated fibrinogen and elevated LDL-C (> 163 mg/dl) have a 6.1 fold increase in coronary risk.

Treatment considerations:

• Common pharmacological considerations:
  • Fenofibrates
  • Nicotinic acid
• Lifestyle changes:
  • Weight loss
  • Regular exercise
  • Smoking cessation
  • Moderate alcohol intake may lower fibrinogen

For more information and detailed references, please refer to our Clinical Implications Reference Manual.