Mean platelet volume in acute myocardial infarction: a case-controlled study

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common emergency which requires timely intervention. Traditionally, its diagnosis is based on symptoms, electrocardiogram and cardiac biomarkers. Symptoms may be nonspecific. Electrocardiogram is easily available, but its sensitivity is low. Cardiac biomarkers are time-dependent and within the normal limit at the first three hours after the initiation of AMI. Mean platelet volume (MPV) has been reported to be high in AMI. Fifty cases of AMI, without prior history of stroke or infarction, were enrolled in the study. Equal number of healthy controls was taken for comparison. Blood sample collected for estimation of MPV was processed within thirty minutes of venesection. MPV was noted to be significantly higher in patients with AMI. Patients with hypertension had significantly higher MPV than hypertensive controls. In subgroup analyses of affected patients, patients with diabetes had significantly higher MPV than those without diabetes. In conclusion, MPV may be a useful adjuvant to the diagnosis of AMI.