Are plasma markers of platelet, endothelial and hemostatic function related to conventional measures of cardiovascular risk in hypertensives?

Large population studies have demonstrated relationships between plasma markers of thrombosis and hemostasis and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated whether there was a relationship between levels of plasma markers of endothelial, platelet and hemostatic function and the established Framingham risk equation for defining coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke (CVA) risk in unselected hypertensive patients. von Willebrand factor (vWf, a marker of endothelial function), soluble P selectin (sPsel, a marker of platelet activity) and the hemorheological marker fibrinogen (Fib) were measured in 183 subjects (143 male, mean age 62 SD 8 years, mean blood pressure 161/89 SD 17/11). Cardiovascular risk was estimated using the Framingham Risk Equation for CHD and stroke. Plasma marker levels were then correlated (Spearman's method) with the Framingham risk equation and the number of cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, smoking etc). (See Table) Soluble P selectin may be useful in estimating CHD risk but not CVA risk. vWf on the other hand appears useful in estimating both CHD and CVA risk as well as correlating with the number of risk factors. However fibrinogen levels did not appear to correlate with either the Framingham Risk Equation or the number of risk factors.