Fibrin D-dimer: a marker of psychosocial distress and its implications for research in stress-related coronary artery disease

Clin Cardiol. 2003 Apr;26(4):164-8. doi: 10.1002/clc.4960260403.

Abstract

Psychosocial factors might mediate their adverse impact on coronary arteries by eliciting a hypercoagulable state via changes in sympathetic nervous system activity. A recent meta-analysis of prospective studies reported an association of the hypercoagulability marker D-dimer with an increased risk for coronary events. This review provides evidence that an elevated plasma D-dimer level is a suitable marker for acute and chronic psychosocial distress. Prospective studies need to show whether stress-related changes in D-dimer may help explain the increased coronary risk with psychosocial distress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Coronary Artery Disease / blood
  • Coronary Artery Disease / psychology*
  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Stress, Psychological / blood*

Substances

  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products
  • fibrin fragment D