Correlation between mean platelet volume and total risk of cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Introduction. The association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and single cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors has previously been tested. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between MPV and total risk of CVD. Materials and Methods. In 216 consecutive outpatients referred for a cardiology assessment because of multiple CVD risk factors, total CVD risk was estimated according to the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) as low ( 20%). Additionally, FRS was adjusted for triglycerides (TG), body mass index (BMI) and a family history of CVD, important CVD risk factors which are not included in the FRS equation. Also, CVD risk was estimated according to terciles of MPV ( 9.1 fL, respectively). Correlation between high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and FRS was used as confirmation that our study hypothesis was properly set. Results. MPV did not correlate with individual CVD risk factors or with FRS, either before, or after adjustment for additional CVD risk factors. Significant correlation between MPV and total CV risk was observed only in the adjusted high FRS group ; namely, for persons in tercile 3, CVD risk was doubled (OR 2.2 ; 95% CI 1.05-4.64 ; P =0.038). In comparison, there was a strong linear correlation between hs-CRP and unadjusted (r=0.203, P=0.004) and adjusted (r=0.383, P<0.001) FRS. Conclusion. Correlation between MPV and high total CVD risk suggests increased platelet activity primarily as a consequence and sign of atherosclerotic vascular damage. Linear correlation between hs-CRP with FRS confirms inflammation as an important mechanism of atherogenesis.