Factor VII-phospholipid complex in male survivors of acute myocardial infarction.

The presence of an activated form of coagulation factor VII--a factor VII-phospholipid complex--in male survivors of myocardial infarction is described. The level of this complex did not correlate with age or level of conventional risk factor score, but showed a highly significant positive correlation with serum triglycerides in all the subgroups as well as in the whole study population (r = 0.88, p less than 0.0001). Measurement of this form of activated factor VII may constitute a simple and promising method for additional screening of men at risk for cardiovascular disease.