Atherothrombotic risk factors in subjects with a family history of stroke

Subjects with stroke in a first-degree relative are at increased risk of atherothrombotic vascular disease. We aimed to examine atherothrombotic risk factors in such a population.

145 subjects with a first-degree relative with stroke and 143 controls were recruited. Measurements were made of features of the insulin resistance syndrome, haemostatic and fibrinolytic risk factors, and glucose tolerance tests.

The relatives had higher systolic blood pressure, HDL, 2-hour glucose, factor VII:C, fibrinogen, vWF and more had smoked. Differences remained in factor VII:C, systolic BP and 2-hour glucose after adjustment.

This population demonstrates adverse thrombotic risk factors and increased FVII:C activity may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk.