Platelets play an important role in intravascular thrombus development, a major cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). After erosion or rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, platelets activation plays a crucial role in prothrombotic events leading to myocardial infarction. Increased platelets reactivity is associated with increased platelet volume. Large platelets are enzymatically and metabolically more active and have high thrombotic potential. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet function. Elevated levels of MPV have been identified as an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction in patients with coronary cardiac disease. However, the biological and prognostic value of increased levels of MPV is still controversial. The new hematological analyzers provide the platelet index as part of the hemogram, without additional costs to the laboratory, and it may be used as an early risk marker of cardiovascular events in association with traditional markers. In this study we describe the clinical value of MPV in coronary atherosclerosis and its role as a risk factor for ACS.
Platelets; Mean platelet volume; Cardiovascular disease; Infarction
