Homocysteine, lipoprotein(a) and fibrinogen: metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular complications of chronic renal disease.

High plasma concentrations of homocysteine, lipoprotein(a) and fibrinogen are accompanied by an increased risk for cardiovascular complications in the general population. All three parameters are markedly elevated in patients with renal disease, a group with a high prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular complications. This review discusses these parameters in such patients in relation to the occurrence of atherosclerotic complications.