Assessment of Plasma Fibrinogen Level and Lipid Profile in Smokers

Abstract

Background: Cigarette smoking is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with potential effects on coagulation factors and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of plasma fibrinogen and lipid profile parameters in smokers compared to non-smokers.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 smokers and 50 age- and sex-matched nonsmokers. Plasma fibrinogen levels were measured using the clotting method. Lipid profile
parameters, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were assessed using standard laboratory techniques. Differences in fibrinogen and lipid levels between smokers and non-smokers were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.
Results: Smokers exhibited significantly higher plasma fibrinogen levels compared to non smokers (350 ± 75 mg/dL vs. 280 ± 60 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Additionally, smokers had higher levels of total cholesterol (210 ± 40 mg/dL vs. 180 ± 30 mg/dL, p < 0.001), triglycerides (160 ± 60 mg/dL vs. 120 ± 50 mg/dL, p < 0.001), and LDL-C (130 ± 35 mg/dL vs. 110 ± 25 mg/dL, p <0.001), while HDLC levels were lower (38 ± 8 mg/dL vs. 45 ± 10 mg/dL, p < 0.001) compared to non-smokers.
Conclusions: Smokers exhibited elevated plasma fibrinogen levels and an atherogenic lipid profile characterized by higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, along with lower HDL-C levels compared to non-smokers. These findings suggest that smoking may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases by altering coagulation and lipid metabolism.