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Elevated platelet reactivity in stable angina pectoris without significant coronary flow obstruction
P Järemo1, M Milovanovic, Tl Lindahl
1Department of Internal Medicine, the Vrinnevi Hospital, Norrköping, Sweden. jaremo@beta.telenordia.se
Insights
Patients with angina pectoris and no major coronary artery blockages show increased platelet activity. This suggests a link between heightened platelet reactivity and this type of angina.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Platelet Physiology
Background:
- Angina pectoris can arise from causes other than major coronary artery obstructions, such as Prinzmetal angina and small vessel disease.
- Understanding these alternative causes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate platelet activity in patients experiencing stable angina pectoris without significant obstructions in major coronary arteries.
- To compare platelet reactivity between patients with and without significant coronary artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Elective coronary angiography was performed on individuals with stable angina pectoris.
- Patients with diabetes mellitus were excluded to ensure study homogeneity.
- Platelet activity was measured in vitro using thrombin-receptor activating peptide (TRAP-6) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) stimulation.
Main Results:
- Patients with angina pectoris and no significant major coronary artery obstructions exhibited enhanced platelet reactivity.
- This heightened reactivity was observed when platelets were stimulated with both TRAP-6 and ADP.
- Statistical significance was noted for both TRAP-6 and ADP stimulation concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Angina pectoris occurring without significant impediments in major epicardial arteries is associated with increased platelet reactivity.
- Augmented platelet reactivity may play a role in the pathophysiology of angina pectoris in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease.
Background:
There are many different causes of angina pectoris without significant coronary flow obstruction in major coronary arteries. Examples include Prinzmetal angina and small vessel atherosclerotic disease.
Methods:
We investigated individuals with stable angina pectoris subject to elective coronary angiography. To keep the study group as homogeneous as possible, patients with diabetes mellitus were excluded. Subjects with normal coronary angiograms (n = 13) or insignificant (< 50%) coronary flow obstruction(s) (n = 4) were grouped together. The remaining cohort (n = 96) with at least one significant (> or = 50%) flow obstruction in at least one major coronary artery served as controls.
Results:
Before angiography, platelet activity in vitro on stimulation with a thrombin-receptor activating peptide (TRAP-6) (57 micromol/l and 74 micromol/l) and ADP (1.7 micromol/l and 8.5 micromol/l) was determined. Angina pectoris individuals without significant flow obstruction in major coronary arteries had enhanced platelet reactivity both when stimulated with TRAP-6 and ADP (P < 0.01 for both TRAP-6 concentrations and P < 0.05 for both ADP concentrations, respectively.
Conclusions:
It is concluded that angina pectoris without significant flow impediment in major epicardial arteries is associated with augmented platelet reactivity.
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