Effect of smoking on plasmafibrinogen a comparative study between smokers and non-smokers

Background: Plasma fibrinogen is a major determinant of platelet aggregation and blood viscosity. It has been demonstrated that smoking increases the plasma fibrinogen level, which is an independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to investigate the extent to which cigarette smokers in comparison with non-smokers have their plasma fibrinogen level. Methodology: A total of 60 Males in the age group of 25 to 50 years with BMI <24.9Kg/m2 and without Obesity, any acute infection, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, history of vascular disorders, Consumption of aspirin, lipid-lowering or Fibrinolytic drugs, Overt liver, kidney or thyroid dysfunction were selected and divided into study group with 35 males smoking >5 cigarettes /day for at least 5 years and control group with 25 males .General clinical examination of the subject was done. Two ml of blood was collected and plasma fibrinogen level was estimated by Von Clauss method using a kit named Fibroquant. Statistical analysis was done with student-t-test. Result: The Mean + SD of plasma fibrinogen among smokers (427.83 + 57.78) were increased compared to that of the non-smokers (314 + 53.08). Results analyzed using student‘t’ test, revealed a statistically very significant ‘P’ value ( P <0.001). Conclusion: In the present study mean plasma fibrinogen concentration of smokers showed a sharp increase compared to that of the non-smokers. We recommend plasma fibrinogen concentration should be included during the routine assessment of cardiovascular risk in case of smokers.