Key result
Genetically predicted higher platelet count was causally associated with increased systolic blood pressure (beta 0.321) and diastolic blood pressure (beta 0.205).
Why the study?
Previous studies identified associations between platelet indices and blood pressure, but observational causal inferences are prone to confounding and reverse causation.
Do genetically determined platelet indices causally increase blood pressure levels in individuals of European ancestry?
Observational (n=757,601)
Yes
Do genetically determined platelet indices causally increase blood pressure levels in individuals of European ancestry?
Standardized Mean Difference: 0.321 (95% CI 0.094–0.547)
p-value: p=0.005
Genetically predicted higher platelet count and platelet distribution width are independently associated with increased blood pressure, suggesting a causal role for platelet activation in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
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Should not change platelet management for BP control; leaves open validation of MR findings in trials.
Xu et al. (2023) conducted an observational in Blood pressure (n=757,601). Genetically determined platelet count (PLT) was evaluated on Systolic blood pressure (SBP) (beta 0.321, 95% CI 0.094-0.547, p=0.005). Genetically predicted higher platelet count was causally associated with increased systolic blood pressure (beta 0.321) and diastolic blood pressure (beta 0.205).
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