Lipoprotein(a) and fibrinogen as predictors of complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the cause of the largest number of annual deaths in the developed world, so they are considered a scourge on mankind; these include ischemic heart disease. Objectives: To determine the value of lipoprotein(a), fibrinogen and fibrinogen-lipoprotein(a) index in predicting short-term complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 115 patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome to the Dr. Celestino Hernandez Robau Hospital in Santa Clara, from November 2012 to October 2013. Results: The study included 43 female and 72 male patients. The most frequent risk factors included hypertension (70.43%), dyslipidemia (50.43%) and a family history of coronary artery disease (47.83%). Complications occurred in 39 patients (33.9%). Cutoff points were established at 4.50 g/L for fibrinogen, 341 mg/L for lipoprotein(a) and 1.50 for fibrinogen-lipoprotein(a) index, which showed a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 94% and a predictive ability given by an odds ratio of 122. Therefore it was classified as having a very good predictive value. Conclusions: The fibrinogen-lipoprotein(a) index showed an excellent predictive value for short-term complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome.