Newer risk factors for stroke

Markers of inflammation (e.g high sensitivity CRP), evidence of infection, homocysteine concentrations, lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) have all been reported to be associated with CHD risk. There are far fewer data on the association of less traditional CHD risk factors with the risk for stroke. In Sacco's recent review, he notes an association between Lp(a) and stroke risk. Sen et al. have reported a relationship with hyperhomocysteinemia and aortic atheroma in patients with a history of transient ischemic attacks (TIA's) (16). Spoelstra-de Man et al. have reported a relationship between albuminuria and inflammatory markers and have demonstrated a relationship to mortality (17). Based on these observations, there may be a relationship between novel risk factors and the risk for stroke in diabetes. Large observational studies examining these factors in diabetes mellitus are not yet available.