New and old cardiovascular risk factors: C-reactive protein, homocysteine, cysteine and von Willebrand factor increase risk, especially in smokers

Independent associations exist between stable heart disease and C-reactive protein, homocysteine, cysteine and von Willebrand factor. Strong combined effects were observed between these and conventional risk factors, particularly smoking. Smoking cessation may profoundly reduce risk associated with other risk factors. We found no evidence of a relationship between activated factor XII and disease.