Prognostic role of tissue plasminogen activator in coronary artery disease with or without aortic valve sclerosis

Abstract Aims We sought to investigate the relationship between circulating tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA) level and long‐term outcomes in stable coronary artery disease patients with or without aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc). Methods and results Serum levels of t‐PA were determined in 347 consecutive stable angina patients with (n = 183) or without (n = 164) AVSc. Outcomes were prospectively recorded as planned clinic evaluations every 6 months up to 7 years. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death and rehospitalization due to heart failure. The secondary endpoint included all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular death, and rehospitalization due to heart failure. Serum t‐PA was significantly higher in AVSc than in non‐AVSc patients (2131.22 pg/mL vs. 1495.85 pg/mL, P 1840.68 pg/mL) were more likely to meet the primary and secondary endpoints (all P