Elevated factor XIII level and the risk of myocardial infarction in women

Factor XIII (FXIII) activity and antigen levels were determined in 955 patients investigated by coronary angiography. Patients were sub-grouped according to the presence or absence of coronary sclerosis (CS+, CS−) and a positive history of myocardial infarction (MI+, MI−). In females, but not in males, adjusted FXIII activity and antigen levels were significantly elevated in the CS+MI+ group compared to in the CS+MI− group. FXIII levels in the upper tertile were associated with significantly increased risk of MI in females, but not in males.