By multiple regression analyses, TOS, LHP, 8-IP, MDA, MCP-4, AA, hs-CRP, and TNF-α were found to be independent risk predictors of worsening of carotid and coronary artery lesions after adjustment for gender, age, CAD, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of stroke, current smoking, current drinking, regular exercise, myocardial infarction, dizziness, delayed memory, amaurosis fugax, and angina pectoris in elderly patients. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is transient ischemic attack.