Digit ratio (2D:4D), myocardial infarction and fibrinogen in men

Background: Digit ratio (2D:4D: a correlate of prenatal testosterone and oestrogen) is sexually dimorphic withmalesfemales) and is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), the incidence of which is also sexdependent (males>females). Aims: We considered the relationship between 2D:4D, levels of fibrinogen and age at MI.Study design: Digit lengths, height, weight, smoking history and Townsend scores were recorded. Levels of fibrinogenwere measured for 150 patients and 140 age-matched controls. Subjects: The sample consisted of 441 men (301patients who had experienced an MI, 140 controls). Results: Right 2D:4D was positively correlated with fibrinogen inthe controls as was right and left 2D:4D in the total sample. Multiple regression analysis showed right and left 2D:4Dwere positively correlated with fibrinogen in the total sample independent of MI status, age, BMI, smoking history andTownsend scores. Right 2D:4D and right-left 2D:4D (Dr-l) were negatively correlated with age at MI, independent ofBMI, smoking history, and Townsend scores. The MI and control groups did not differ in their 2D:4D. Conclusion: Menwith low 2D:4D tend to have low levels of fibrinogen independent of MI, age, BMI, smoking habits and socioeconomicstatus. Right 2D:4D and Dr-l were negatively related to age at MI but there were no differences in 2D:4D between theMI and control groups. We discuss the implications of our findings for relationships between 2D:4D, MI andperformance in endurance sports in men