A family history of cardiovascular disease predicts cardiovascular risk in the next generation, which is either the result of inherited traits or certain living habits in some families. The aim of our study was to evaluate both variables and particularly the role of one of the possible genetic risk factors--angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism. History and anthropometric and biochemical parameters, ACE gene polymorphism and carotid wall thickness--intima media thickness (IMT) were studied in two groups of children: in children whose parents had a stroke before the age of 45 years and in children without a positive family history. The preliminary results of the present study failed to confirm our hypothesis that ACE gene polymorphism is a cardiovascular risk factor in children of parents with premature stroke.