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Thromb Haemost 1993; 70(05): 762-767
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1649666
Clinical Studies
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Correlation of Plasma Protein C Levels with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Maureen G Conlan
1   The Division of Hematology and Vascular Biology Research Center, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX
,
Aaron R Folsom
2   The Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, MN
,
Andrea Finch
1   The Division of Hematology and Vascular Biology Research Center, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX
,
C E Davis
3   The Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
,
Paul Sorlie
4   The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, Bethesda, MD, USA
,
Kenneth K Wu
1   The Division of Hematology and Vascular Biology Research Center, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX
,
For the ARIC Study Investigators › Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 03 March 1993

Accepted after revision 15 June 1993

Publication Date:
05 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

To evaluate the association of plasma protein C levels with constitutional, socioeconomic, life-style and biochemical factors important in cardiovascular diseases, we measured protein C levels in 12,290 middle aged (45-64 years) subjects participating in the ARIC study. Protein C levels had a normal distribution with a mean value of 3.17 fig/ml. They were higher in women than men and in whites than blacks; higher in postmenopausal women and further increased by hormonal supplements. The age influence was inconsistent and was considered to be inconsequential. Protein C levels were positively correlated with body mass index, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides and negatively associated with cigarette smoking. These factors should be taken into consideration when establishing normal protein C levels and when analyzing the relation between protein C and arterial and venous thrombotic disorders.

 

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