Effect of cholesterol level on platelet aggregability in normal individuals

Abstract

Objective: The aim of present study was to find the effect of cholesterol level on platelet aggregability innormal individuals.

Methodology: This study was conducted in Cardiology department, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar in September-October 2007. Normal individuals aged 18 years or above were randomly included. Patientswho were suffering from any cardiovascular or other diseases were excluded. Those who were takingante-platelets, anti coagulants and lipid lowering drugs were also excluded. Thus a total of 101 individualswere examined, after taking informed written consent. Fasting blood samples were taken from eachpatient. Total cholesterol was measured in hospital laboratory, while platelet aggregation was measuredwith chronolog whole-blood platelet aggregometer (WBA).

Results: A total of 101 patients were examined. Their mean age was 51.24 ± 8.23 years. Male were60(59.41%) and female were 41(40.59%). Mean platelet aggregability of these individuals was 7.87 ± 4.40ohms. Mean cholesterol was 163.47 ± 20.75 mg/dl. When age was correlated with aggregability, both hada weak negative correlation. Pearson correlation coefficient was -.018 (p=0.855). When age was correlatedwith cholesterol, again both have a weak negative correlation. Pearson correlation coefficient was -.152(p=0.129). When aggregability was correlated with cholesterol, both have a significant positive correlation.Pearson correlation coefficient was +0.269 (p=0.006).

Conclusion: Platelet aggregability is increased in patients with high cholesterol. These patients may needhigher doses of anti platelets and more aggressive treatment of lipids to avoid vascular events.