Antithrombins and coronary artery disease.

The role of antithrombin-III with respect to atherogenesis and myocardial infarction remains unclear; however, it has been reported that antithrombin-III levels are decreased in many individuals with coronary artery disease and in those at high risk for coronary artery occlusion. However, the several reports available do not agree and remain inconclusive. Antithrombin-III levels were determined in 86 individuals undergoing coronary artery angiography. Results of these determinations reveal that the majority of patients with angiographically documented coronary artery disease have normal antithrombin-III levels. Additionally, there was found to be no correlation between antithrombin-III levels and severity or site of coronary artery involvement. The results of this study would suggest that plasma antithrombin-III determinations are of no particular significance in determining the presence, absence, or severity of coronary artery disease.