Association of von Willebrand factor deficiency with prevalent cardiovascular disease and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Von Willebrand factor (VWF), a large multimeric glycoprotein, plays a critical role in hemostasis. It binds to subendothelial collagen at the site of vascular injury where it facilitates platelet activation. Given the role of VWF in platelet activation, and the role of platelets in cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke, VWF may influence the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition, evidence suggests that VWF may affect CVD risk by playing a role in atherogenesis by direct participation in plaque formation [1].

Source: Thrombosis Research - May 31, 2016 Category: Hematology Authors: Craig D. Seaman, Kristen M. George, Margaret Ragni, Aaron R. Folsom Source Type: research