Platelet Function Related to the Development and Presenting Symptoms in Coronary Artery Disease

Among 2014 apparently healthy men aged 40-59 years platelet function was studied with Hellem's retention method in 488 men. In 55 of these 488 men coronary heart disease (CHD) was strongly suspected and coronary angiography confirmed the diagnosis in 34 of 51 angiographied men. Platelet responsiveness was significantly lower among those who had angina pectoris than among their CHD-suspect counterparts without angina, regardless of coronary angiographic findings. Since angiopositive men without angina and 408 "normals" had similar retention values, it seems as if presenting symptoms, but not the development of CHD are linked to platelet function. During a near maximal bicycle exercise test significantly higher peak exercise blood pressure was found among men with very low retention values than among men with retention values in the middle and upper range. This could not be explained by differences in maximal heart rate or work performance. This indicates that blood pressure regulation during exercise may in part be linked to platelet function related mechanisms.