Genetic control of hemostatic factors in relation to atherosclerosis

Increased levels of coagulation factors VII and fibrinogen were identified as risk factors for acute coronary syndromes many years ago. Analysis of the genes coding for these proteins suggest a genetic component in the determination of their plasma level. More than ten different genetic polymorphisms have been described in the fibrinogen gene. They influence the fibrinogen level at varying intensities and show a heterogenous association with coronary heart disease. A similar picture evolves from the analysis of the factor VII gene. Associations with a change in factor VII levels have been reported from all polymorphisms. However, they are in a strong linkage disequilibrium. The association with coronary heart disease is still controversial. Similar results have been obtained by analysis of many other coagulation factors like prothrombin, factor V, and factor XIII.