Pattern of platelet indices in hypertension: a single-centre experience for a primary care setting

Background
As a neglected piece of cell blood count, platelet indices are readily available in a primary care setting. Current literature aimed at the role of platelet indices in hypertensive disorders is focused mainly on a single platelet index.

Objectives
To better clarify alterations in the pattern of platelet indices in hypertensive disorders, we investigated the relation between a set of platelet indices and hypertensive disorders defined by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

Material and methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 283 patients referred to the Hypertension Clinic of our hospital. ABPM was performed for all cases, and patients were accordingly classified as hypertensive (61.8%) and non-hypertensive (38.2%), as well as dipper (60%) and non-dipper (40%). Blood samples were collected for cell blood count, and ensuing platelet indices were compared between these groups.

Results
The mean level of plateletcrit (PCT) was significantly higher in hypertensive subjects than non-hypertensive individuals (0.235% versus 0.251%, p = 0.03). The difference of mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet large cell ratio (PLCR) was not significant between hypertensive and non-hypertensive cases. The levels of platelet indices were not significantly different between dipper and non-dipper individuals. The mean MPV and PLCR was significantly higher in hypertensive patients with coexisting diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions
We identified a different pattern of platelet indices as “elevated plateletcrit and normal other platelet volume indices” in hypertensive patients. Considering the patterns of alteration in platelet indices, it may be better to describe their role as a biomarker in hypertensive disorders.