This is plausible considering the key role of vWF in shear stress-dependent haemostasis at the site of vessel stenosis and plaques.31This may be especially relevant with respect to patients with carotid stenosis, who are known to have a high risk of stroke recurrence, as they have persistently elevated vWF levels after the first ischaemic event,52which may explain their high risk of stroke recurrence despite the use of conventional anti-platelet drugs. The gene discussed is VWF; the disease is Stroke.