Atherothrombotic risk factors in subjects with a family history of stroke.

Background: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

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