Hemostatic risk factors for arterial thrombosis

Although venous thrombophilic states have recently been well defined the hemostatic (non-atherosclerotic) risks for arterial clotting have been less clear. The topic is reviewed here in Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. The review points out that homocysteine, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody assays are justifiable tests. Somewhat surprisingly, in those patients with concomitant vascular risk factors, in those <55 years old, and in women, testing for factor V leiden and prothrombin mutation may be justifiable.