Aims: Platelet function and clot structure may be altered in diabetes. We have noted increased platelet contractile force (PCF) and clot elastic modulus (CEM) in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain. Twenty-six of the chest pain patients were diabetic. Here, we compare the PCF, CEM and platelet aggregation in diabetic chest pain patients, non-diabetic patients with chest pain and asymptomatic controls.
Patients and methods: PCF, CEM and collagen whole blood aggregations were measured in 100 chest pain patients and 25 asymptomatic controls.
Results: Platelet concentrations for diabetic patients, non-diabetic patients and controls were identical. PCF was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in diabetic chest pain patients (9.42 +/- 0.59 kdynes) vs. controls (7.40 +/- 0.32 kdynes). CEM in diabetic patients (29.96 +/- 2.19 kdynes/cm2) was significantly elevated relative to that in non-diabetic chest pain patients (25.22 +/- 0.84 kdynes/cm2) and normal controls (23.18 +/- 0.74 kdynes/cm2). Collagen-induced whole blood aggregation was decreased (P < 0.05) in diabetic chest pain patients vs. controls. PCF values (10.23 +/- 0.76 kdynes) in diabetic patients with haemoglobin A1c > 7% were higher than in any other group.
Conclusion: PCF and CEM are elevated in diabetic chest pain patients. The significance of these laboratory findings awaits additional clinical studies.