Erythrocyte and platelet volume in human hypertension. The Gubbio Study Collaborative Group

It has been reported that in rat and human hypertension the erythrocyte volume is reduced while platelet volume is increased. Data from the Gubbio Study, a population-based study involving over 5000 people (response rate greater than 84%), were analysed in order to address this issue among adult participants. The erythrocyte volume was significantly greater in male and female hypertensives compared with sex-matched normotensives. Female hypertensives also had a slightly but significantly reduced platelet volume while no significant difference in platelet volume was found between male hypertensives and male normotensives. Contrary to data from previous clinical studies based on small series of patients and controls, the findings of this study indicate a positive association between hypertension and erythrocyte volume.