Platelets and heart failure

Abstract

Heart failure is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke, and sudden death. Platelet abnormalities have been well described in heart failure but the significance of platelets in contributing to the thromboembolic complications of heart failure remains uncertain. Furthermore, the role of antiplatelet agents in heart failure remains unclear. This review will focus on platelet activation and the role of platelet dysfunction in heart failure, with particular regard to pathophysiology and outcome. The effects of heart failure therapeutics on platelet function and antiplatelet therapy in heart failure will also be discussed.

Thrombocytopenia as a Preoperative Risk Assessment Tool in Patients With Rheumatic Heart Disease Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery

“…However, few studies have explored the prognostic value of baseline platelet counts in patients who underwent VRS, especially in the context of RHD. Patients with RHD frequently experience cardiac insufficiency, in which the platelets are overactivated and then aggregate 1, 9. Excessive consumption would cause a decrease in platelet counts.…”

Differential Effects of Nonselective Versus Selective β-Blockers on Cardiac Sympathetic Activity and Hemostasis in Patients with Heart Failure

“…In addition, there is evidence that sympathetic activity induces a procoagulant response (6). Hence, the sympathetic hyperactivity could be an important contributor to the prothrombotic state in HF (1,2). This study showed that, compared with metoprolol, carvedilol resulted in lower cardiac sympathetic activity and lower VWF levels.…”

“…Hear t failure (HF) is associated with a prothrombotic state, reflected by an increased risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events (1)(2)(3)(4). The estimated annual incidence of thromboembolic events is 3%-5% (2,4).…”

“…The increased sympathetic activity present in patients with HF (5) can lead to activation of platelets and increases concentrations of coagulation factors, particularly coagulation factor VIII and von Willebrand factor (VWF) (1,6). Therefore, the increased risk of thromboembolic events in these patients might be, at least in part, related to a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system (1,(4)(5)(6).…”

The evaluation of mean platelet volume levels in patients with idiopathic and ischemic cardiomyopathy: an observational study

“…There was no study comparing MPV levels in patients with idiopathic and ischemic CMP. The blood stasis caused by a dilated chamber and poorly contracting ventricle might be a facilitating or triggering factor on platelet behavior, leading to the stimulation of the platelets and finally an increase in MPV (7,(26)(27)(28). The course of CMP, regardless of the etiology, is the result of the dilated chamber and low LV ejection fraction.…”