The diagnostic value of mean platelet volume in males with premature atherosclerotic coronary artery disease having stable angina pectoris

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) could be new biomarkers addition to classical risk factors in premature coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Totally 124 male patients (mean age: 45.8±13.0 year; range of age: 27-78 year), with stable angina pectoris, were included. Clinical and laboratory findings (whole blood cell count, glucose, creatinine, lipid profile) were recorded. Automatic blood counter was used for hematological parameters. Conventional coronary angiography was performed. Patients having acute coronary syndrome within the last six months, with severe valvular, structural or congenital heart disease, thyroid and hepatic dysfunction or signs of any infection were excluded. Results: The study population were separated into three groups by coronary angiography: 51 with stable CAD aged ≤40 years (premature CAD), 38 with stable CAD older than 40 (mature CAD) and 35 with the normal coronary arteries (NCA). No significant difference was found in MPV values between premature CAD and mature CAD and also between premature CAD and NCA (p>0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between MPV and platelet count in premature CAD (r=-0.419, p=0.002). Both in premature CAD and mature CAD groups, higher MPV values was found in critical CAD subgroup than noncritical CAD subgroup, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in MPV between premature and mature male CAD patients compared to NCA group. A positive but non-significant correlation was found between the MPV values and the severity of CAD.