Background – Increased platelet aggregation or “stickiness” is associated with the progression of coronary atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction (MI). Inhibiting platelet aggregation reduces the risk
12
of MI. Platelet aggregation tendency increases with age and with increased risk of heart disease and may be
3 reducedbyanumberoffoodgroupsincludingseafood,garlic,tomatoorchilli .
Objective – To determine background factors that influence the tendency of platelets to aggregate using a whole- blood impedance aggregometer.
Design – Exploratory study examining whole-blood collagen stimulated impedance platelet aggregation in 80 participants after an overnight fast and a light breakfast. Background details including participants’ age, gender, BMI, garlic, chilli and alcohol intake were recorded and correlated with aggregation.
Outcomes – Whole-blood platelet aggregation was not related to smoking, garlic, chilli or alcohol intake or age, but was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in female participants than males (Aggregation area under the curve = 34.1 ± 0.85 versus 27.0 ± 0.94 Ohm.mins respectively). Although male participants were heavier, after controlling for BMI in a multiple regression analysis, whole-blood platelet aggregation was still significantly predicted by sex. Conclusions – Gender appears to be an important determinant of platelet aggregation. The gender of participants is likely to have implications on the response in platelet aggregation in drug and/or nutrition intervention trials. Future studies examining the effects of food on platelet aggregation should consider matching groups based on gender. References