Utility of mean platelet volume to predict the prevalence of coronary artery disease on coronary angiography in patients with stable angina

BACKGROUND: Approximately 50% of patients with stable angina have coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary angiography. The mean platelet volume (MPV) has been proposed as a marker that reflects platelet size and reactivity. This study investigated the predictive value of high MPV in patients with stable angina for diagnosing stable CAD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 491 patients with chest pain who underwent selective coronary angiography for suspected CAD were enrolled. The patients were divided into the CAD group and non-CAD group according to angiography. All demographic, laboratory, and angiographic data were collected. RESULTS: Patients with MPV in the highest tertile were more likely to have CAD (66.9 vs. 51.0 vs. 35.7% for the highest, middle, and lowest tertiles; P = 0.001), had lower platelet counts (186 ± 48 vs. 199 ± 52 vs. 223 ± 63; P < 0.001), and had higher hemoglobin A1c levels (6.8 ± 1.5 vs. 6.5 ± 1.5 vs. 6.2 ± 1.1; P < 0.001). MPV had a positive correlation with hemoglobin A1c (r = 0.16; P < 0.001). Patients with CAD (n = 248) had higher MPV than those without CAD (n = 243) (11.0 ± 1.0 vs. 10.5 ± 0.9; P < 0.001). MPV was an independent predictor of CAD in patients with stable angina, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.820 (95% confidence interval: 1.453-2.279; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The presence of high MPV predicts the prevalence of CAD on coronary angiography in patients with stable angina, and this result may ultimately reduce unnecessary invasive coronary angiography.