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Platelets How dangerous thromboses develop
In Germany alone, around 100,000 people die each year as a result of venous thrombosis. People with enlarged platelets (platelets) are at an increased risk for thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. A new study has now shown what affects platelet volume.
Every year, 100,000 Germans die as a result of thrombosis
According to the German Society for Angiology / Society of Vascular Medicine (DGA), the number of thromboses and the associated complications in the form of pulmonary embolism has increased in recent years. An undiscovered thrombosis quickly becomes a mortal danger. In Germany alone, an estimated 100,000 people die each year as a result of venous thrombosis.
People with enlarged platelets are at an increased risk for thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. A new study has now shown what affects platelet volume. (Image: hriana / fotolia.com) Blood clot clogs vessel
In a thrombosis, a blood clot (thrombus) is formed, which can constrict a vessel or completely clogged. If the blood clot is flushed into the lungs with the bloodstream, it may block blood vessels and cause pulmonary embolism, which is often fatal. In addition, blood clots can cause a heart attack or stroke and other circulatory disorders.
High age as the main risk factor
Age is the main risk factor for thrombosis. According to health experts, the danger increases significantly from the age of 60 years. Even people with varicose veins, lung or heart disease, as well as smokers and obese people have an increased risk of thrombosis. In addition, it is known that a lack of exercise, such as after prolonged bed rest and also hormonal changes such as in pregnancy or birth control pills have an increased risk of thrombosis.
Genetic as well as non-genetic factors
People with enlarged platelets, known in the jargon as platelets, are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and thrombosis. A study conducted at Mainz Medical University has now shown what affects platelet volume. "The cause of an increased platelet volume are both genetic and non-genetic factors," it says in a statement from the university.
Gender differences
In her work, Dr. Marina Panova-Noeva from the Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH) analyzes the known genetic and non-genetic factors that determine the mean platelet volume (MPV). At the same time, the researcher has discovered gender-specific differences in the influencing factors of MPV. The study was based on data from the Gutenberg Health Study, which looked at the health status of some 15,000 subjects aged 35 to 74 over a five-year period.
Contraceptive and menstruation affect platelet volume
The results of the analysis, published in the journal "Blood", show that age, cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels in males are associated with a higher average platelet volume.
For women, however, the intake of oral contraceptives and menstruation could be determined as factors influencing the platelet volume. In addition, the already existing assumption that an increased platelet size is associated with increased mortality was confirmed for male subjects. "For female subjects, such a relationship could not be determined," it says in the message.
Marker for risk assessment of vascular occlusive diseases
Giuseppe Lippi, a professor at the University of Verona, said in a commentary to the CTH scientists "that they had produced novel and important insights into platelet biology and its relation to thrombosis".
Prof. Dr. Philipp Wild, one of the senior authors of the publication, is also convinced of the importance of the study: "The data demonstrate the potential of a marker that has hitherto been relatively insignificant in clinical practice and expand our knowledge of its clinical role. The results give reason to hope that the platelet volume can be used as a marker for the risk assessment regarding thrombotic diseases. "(Ad)