Correlates of plasma fibrinogen (FG) levels in a random sample of community-dwelling elderly.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between plasma FG levels and coexisting cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factors, comorbidities, functional status and cognitive function in a random sample of 270 (163 women and 107 men) community-dwelling elderly aged 65-79 years. The assessment included demographic and social variables, health status, nutritional state, physical and cognitive function. Physical activity was assessed by the Stanford Usual Activity Questionnaire. The average plasma FG level was lower in men 3.1+/-0.9 g/l (+/-SD) than in women 3.6+/-1.1g/l. In the whole group of elderly people, body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, calf circumference as well as total and low density cholesterol were positively correlated with FG levels, whereas the Stanford Moderate Index-negatively. Multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that female gender, calf circumference and the Stanford Moderate Index are the factors that independently predict FG levels. In conclusion, FG seems not to be related to functional status or cognitive function of older individuals. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that female gender, excess body fatness and low physical activity have an independent contribution to higher plasma FG levels in community-dwelling older subjects.