Increased platelet activation and fibrinogen in Asian Indians. Potential implications for coronary risk

J H Markovitz ¹, K Kulkarni , P Goldschmidt-Clermont

⁰Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, AL 35205, USA.

European Heart Journal +

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August 26, 1998

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Asian Indians exhibit higher fibrinogen and platelet activation compared to white Americans. These elevated levels may explain the increased coronary heart disease risk in Indians.

Area Of Science

Cardiovascular Science
Hematology
Epidemiology

Background

Asian Indians have disproportionately high rates of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Platelet activation and fibrinogen are key factors in thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
Understanding ethnic differences in these markers is crucial for targeted prevention.

Purpose Of The Study

To compare platelet activation and fibrinogen levels between healthy Asian Indians and white Americans.
To investigate potential links between these markers and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods

Matched case-control study of 40 healthy Asian Indians and 40 white Americans.
Assessed wound-induced and in vitro platelet activation using flow cytometry.
Measured plasma fibrinogen, lipids, insulin, and Lp(a); assessed family history of CHD and diabetes.

Main Results

Indians showed significantly higher fibrinogen levels than whites, even after adjustments.
Indians exhibited greater wound-induced platelet activation (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa binding, P-selectin expression) compared to whites.
Elevated platelet activation in Indians was linked to a family history of CHD, a pattern reversed in whites.

Conclusions

Asian Indians possess elevated fibrinogen and platelet activation markers relative to white Americans.
These hemostatic differences may be significant contributors to the higher coronary heart disease risk observed in the Indian population.

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