[Correlation between juvenile myocardial infarct in parents and plasma fibrinogen levels in their offspring]

140 children of parents who had acute myocardial infarction before age 45 and 75 healthy children without any familial history of coronary artery disease--as a control group--were investigated ranging in age from 3-18 years. It was found that plasma fibrinogen concentration significantly increased compared to age and sex adjusted control in sons of parents suffering from premature coronary artery disease. Results of this study suggest a significant association between parents' and children's fibrinogen level. It may be concluded from this study that the fibrinogen is a definitive marker for identifying risk children's. Preventive strategies in childhood should consider the role of this genetic factor in later manifestation of coronary artery disease and it would be necessary to emphasize the importance of eliminating environmental influences and change life-style in exposed families.