Decreased Hemoglobin Levels Are Associated with Higher Plasma Level of Fibrinogen, Irrespective of Age

ABSTRACT Background Increased plasma levels of fibrinogen are been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular accident. We aimed at verifying whether the changes of fibrinogen levels are associated with red blood cell (and/or hemoglobin) concentration. Methods A group of 381 carefully selected healthy volunteers (219 male and 162 female), aged from 18 to 101 years, were enrolled in this study. Fasting blood samples were taken and all measurements (fibrinogen plasma level, whole blood viscosity, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value, red blood cell and white blood cell count, platelet count, glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides plasma concentration, and C-reactive protein level) were obtained with standardized methodology using appropriate equipment, procedures, and controls. Results and Conclusions In the male but not in the female group, plasma fibrinogen concentration inversely correlated with hemoglobin ( P P