PLATELET VOLUME IS NOT INCREASED IN ESSENTIAL-HYPERTENSION

Platelet size, a determinant of platelet function, is a newly emerging risk factor for atherothrombosis. Platelet volume has previously been shown, using less than ideal methodology, to be increased in essential hypertension. Mean platelet volume was measured in 38 patients with essential hypertension and 38 paired normo-tensive control subjects matched for age and sex. Platelet volume, median (interquartile ranges) 7.7 (7.2-8.5) fl vs. 7.8 (7.5-8.4) fl (2P = 0.40), platelet count 242 (220-288) x 10(9)/l vs. 243 (215-292) x 10(9)/l (2P = 0.68) and platelet mass 1.91 (1.67-2.18) ml/l vs. 1.84 (1.70-2.23) ml/l (2P = 0.90) were similar in the hypertensive patients (supine BP: SBP 168 (153-178) mmHg, DBP 103 (98-110) mmHg) and control subjects (SBP 126 (112-138) mmHg, DBP 78 (74-82) mmHg). Serum lipids and plasma glucose and creatinine concentrations were not different between the groups. Mean BP did not correlate with platelet volume (r(s) = -0.100, 2P = 0.39) or platelet count (r(s) = 0.111, 2P = 0.34). These data suggest that platelet volume is not altered in essential hypertension.