[ADP-induced platelet aggregation in vascular diseases of the elderly]

A study of 60 over-65's, of whom 30 were suffering from coronary disease 15 had previous but now stable cerebrovascular insufficiency and 15 were suffering from circulation insufficiency in the lower extremities, showed that ADP-induced platelet aggregability was significantly increased by comparison with a group of 15 subjects of similar age rigidly selected as "normal". The aggregation rate was more enhanced than other parameters. In patients with coronary insufficiency and in those with cerebral vasculopathy, other aggregability parameters were significantly changed (minimum aggregating concentration). It is concluded that platelet aggregation, which is often increased in physiological ageing, is altered to an even greater extent in the vasculopathic elderly.