Objective: Platelets have an important role in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis. It has been shown that platelet size measured by mean platelet volume (MPV), correlates with their reactivity and is still regarded as an easy, useful tool for indirect monitoring of platelet activity in different situations. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) has long been known to occur as a part of the atherosclerotic process. The aim of this study was to determine whether an association exists between MPV and CAC.
Methods: In this observational study, we enrolled 259 participants with at least one cardiac risk factor but with unknown cardiovascular disease. Coronary calcification was assessed by multislice computerized tomography and MPV was measured in a blood sample collected in EDTA tubes. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, correlation tests and multiple regression analysis.
Results: Calcium scores ranged from 0 to 735. There was a significant relation between CAC and MPV (r=0.24, p=0.02), age (r=0.32, p<0.001), hypertension (r=0.19, p=0.03), diabetes (r=0.16, p=0.005), smoking (r=0.17, p=0.001). In linear regression analysis, MPV (β=0.4, 95%CI 19.8- 31.1, p<0.001), age (β=0.13, 95%CI 0.23-2.4, p=0.01) and smoking (β=0.12, 95%CI 3.2-15.1, p=0.02) independently associated with CAC. In addition, there were significant differences in MPV between significant CAC group compared to the minimal and none (10.2 ± 2.4 versus 8.1 ± 0.9 and 7.6 ± 1.3; p<0.001).
Conclusion: We have found significant association between MPV and CAC. Although this study is purely correlative and no causative conclusions can be drawn, it may suggest that higher MPV may reflect increased atherosclerotic burden and cardiovascular risk.