von Willebrand factor in plasma: a novel risk factor for recurrent myocardial infarction and death.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate as predictors of reinfarction and mortality tissue plasminogen activator antigen and activity before and after venous occlusion, plasminogen activator inhibitor, von Willebrand factor, and established risk factors.


METHODS
Prospective study with a mean observation time of 4.9 years.


METHODS
Secondary referral centre, the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Umeå.


METHODS
123 consecutive survivors of myocardial infarction under the age of 70 years.


METHODS
Reinfarction and deaths from all causes.


RESULTS
23 patients died and 36 patients had at least one reinfarction. High concentrations of von Willebrand factor were independently associated with both reinfarction and mortality. A history of angina at entry into the study was also independently associated with reinfarction and mortality. Hypertension was independently associated with mortality but not with reinfarction. None of the fibrinolytic or lipid variables was associated with reinfarction or death.


CONCLUSIONS
A high concentration of von Willebrand factor was a novel index of increased risk for reinfarction and mortality in survivors of myocardial infarction.
Jansson
J H
JH
Department of Internal Medicine, Skellefteå Hospital, Sweden.
Nilsson
T K
TK
Johnson
O
O
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000097:blood; D015849:Plasminogen Inactivators / Q000097:blood; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000032:analysis*
D015849:Plasminogen Inactivators; D014841:von Willebrand Factor; D010960:Plasminogen Activators