A study on platelet volume indices in acute coronary syndrome

Background: Coronary artery disease is mainly caused by atherosclerosis and its complications. Platelets and their activity have an important role in initiation of atherosclerotic lesions and coronary thrombus formation. Larger platelets are enzymatically and metabolically more active and have a higher potential thrombotic ability as compared with smaller platelets. Aim: To compare platelet volume indices in acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stable angina pectoris and healthy controls and to investigate the importance and role of platelet volume indices in acute coronary syndrome. Materials and methods: This was cross-sectional study of 100 patients includes 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 25 patients with unstable angina, 25 patients with stable angina and 25 healthy controls. Venous samples would be drawn at the time of admission before initiation of treatment. Platelet volume indices were assayed within 30 minutes of blood collection, using auto analyser. Results: Platelet volume indices were found to be higher among ACS (acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina) patients as compared to non ACS (stable angina and healthy control). For example mean platelet volume was significantly higher in patients with AMI (9.8±0.86) and unstable angina (9.5±0.84) as compared to stable angina (8.4±0.58) and healthy control (8.2±0.56). Conclusion: Measurement of platelet volume indices may be of benefit in detecting those patients at higher risk for acute coronary syndrome in future.