The Influence of Genetic Variation on Von Willebrand Factor levels and the Risk of Stroke

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), primarily due to arterial thrombus formation resulting in vascular occlusion, is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in the world]. In the Netherlands, every day on average 51 males and 57 females die as a result of CVD. Every year, CVD is responsible for nearly one third of total deaths. The pathogenesis of CVD is highly complex. Both genetic factors and environmental factors contribute, via complex interactions, to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, plaque rupture and subsequent thrombus formation and vascular occlusion. In the past, several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, have been identified. As coagulation factors, including von Willebrand factor (VWF), are of major importance in the regulation of thrombus formation, their role in CVD has also been investigated.