Blood platelet count and function are related to total and cardiovascular death in apparently healthy men.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Experimental animal and clinical studies indicate that blood platelets have an important role in atherosclerosis and formation of thrombi. Prospective studies presenting evidence of an association between blood platelet count and cardiovascular mortality have not been performed. METHODS AND RESULTS From 1973 to 1975, blood platelets were counted, and their responsiveness to aggregating agents was studied in healthy middle-aged men. The aim was to assess the possible association between these variables and coronary heart disease. At 13.5 years of follow up, a significantly higher coronary heart disease mortality was observed among the 25% of subjects with the highest platelet counts. Platelet aggregation performed in a random subsample (150 of the 487 men), moreover, revealed that the 50% with the most rapid aggregation response after ADP stimulation had significantly increased coronary heart disease mortality compared with the others. These associations could not be explained by differences in age, lipids, blood pressure, or smoking habits. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to present conclusive, prospective evidence of an association between platelet concentration and aggregability and long-term incidence of fatal coronary heart disease in a population of apparently healthy middle-aged men.

Effect of tamoxifen and transdermal hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in a prevention trial

“…1990;Smith et al 1993). Moreover, the significant decrease in Plt count, another factor associated with cardiovascular morbidity (Thaulow et al, 1991;Handin. 1996).…”

“…The effects of tamoxifen and HRT were also studied on platelet (Plt) and white blood cell (WBC) counts. inasmuch as both parameters are affected by tamoxifen treatment (Powles et al, 1994;Lukac et al, 1995) and their levels have been positively associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in prospective studies (Thaulow et al 1991;Gillum et al 1993). A total of 3479 women were in the breast cancer trial with a potential follow-up time of at least 12 months.…”

Individual saturated fatty acids and effects on whole blood aggregation in vitro

“…Activated platelets provide tissue factor, membrane phospholipid surface and other regulatory compounds, that are necessary for the coagulation process. Increased platelets reactivity for ADP was demonstrated in middle aged men at risk for coronary heart disease (Thaulow et al, 1991) and in patients with coronary heart disease . Also, the protective effect of aspirin against myocardial infarction suggests a major role of platelets in the development of coronary heart disease (Antiplatelet Trialists ' Collaboration, 1988; Steering Committee of the Physicians' Health Study Research Group, 1989), as it inhibits platelet synthesis of thromboxane A 2 (TxA 2 ).…”

The influence of obesity and consequent insulin resistance on coronary risk factors in medically treated patients with coronary disease

“…It is noted that 25 of the 74 patients had a fasting glucose of 100-126 mg per 100 ml. The mean age was 64±9 years (range 44-84 years, median 63 years) and all patients had a BMI of X27 kg m -2 (mean 32 ± 4, range [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45]. All the women were postmenopausal and none were taking hormone replacement therapy.…”

“…Increased platelet reactivity has been shown to predict the occurrence of coronary events in patients after myocardial infarction, after a percutaneous coronary intervention and in apparently healthy men. 29,31,32 Cardiopulmonary fitness (peak aerobic capacity) was measured on the treadmill using a graded modified Balke protocol until volitional fatigue, the development of cardiovascular symptoms or the development of X2 mm ST segment depression on the electrocardiogram. 33 Expired gas was analyzed using a Sensormedics C 29 metabolic cart (Yorba Linda, CA, USA).…”