The relationship between mean platelet volume and flow mediated dilatation and intima media thickness of carotid artery in patients with essantial hypertension

Abstract

Aim: Hypertension is an important risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis . Our aim in this study was to determine the relationship between mean platelet volume (MPV) which is a risk factor of atherosclerosis and intima media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), markers of atherosclerosis, in patients with essential hypertension. Material and Methods: 50 adults, applying to Kirikkale University Medical Faculty department of internal medicine, (outpatient) clinics, diagnosed as hypertensive for the first time Were included in the study. Their ages ranaed between 18 to 80 nd. We included 50 healthy participants to the study as control group. Carotid Artery Doppler ultrasonography and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) with the brachial artery ultrasonographic measurment technique was performed by using Ecography (General Electric Vivid S5) and 12 L probe for each patient. Results: In this study statistically significant relationship was found between IMT and age. In the hypertensive group, IMT of carotid artery was found to be higher in comparison with the control group. However this result was’nt statistically significant. There were no statistically significant difference in MPV, FMD or IMT hypertensive and control groups. Small number of the participants and relatively younger mean age of the groups may lead to this result and can be considered as a limitation of this study. Conclusion: Determining atherosclerosis earlier in patients with essential hypertension may provide development of new treatment modalities. In order to conclude more confidentIy extended studies with larger patient groups are needed.