The influence of smoking on von Willebrand factor is already manifest in healthy adolescent females: the Floren-teen (Florence Teenager) Study

The early onset of atherosclerosis and the involvement of physiological bio chemical, and environmental factors in its pathogenesis is well documented. Few data are available on the role of risk factors related to hemostasis i n the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in the young and, in particular, litt le information is available on adolescent populations. In the Study of Prev entive Medicine and Education Program (Floren-teen Study), von Willebrand f actor, a risk factor for cardiovascular disorder, was studied, together wit h classical cardiovascular risk factors, in apparently healthy students fro m two high schools in Florence. Familial and personal history, physical exa mination, and cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated in 144 students (a ged 17-19 years). Blood was withdrawn to assess von Willebrand factor (ELIS A) and lipid parameters. Levels of von Willebrand factor were significantly higher (P<0.044) in smokers than in nonsmokers and were correlated with th e number of cigarettes per day in the whole group (P=0.01) and in females ( P=0.006). In females a positive correlation was observed between von Willeb rand factor and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.0365). There was no significant correlation between von Willebrand factor and blood pressure or between von Willebrand factor and physical activity. In conclusion, thi s study shows an association between levels of von Willebrand factor and sm oking habits and is the first show that even a brief period of smoking affe cts levels of von Willebrand factor in healthy adolescent females independe ntly of other risk factors. These results stress the relevance of extending prevention programs to reduce smoking in high school students.