Platelet size and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients over 50 years of age.

Both mean platelet volume (MPV) and left ventricular hypertrophy have been described as associated with increased risk for vascular events. Seventy-six hypertensive patients (37 M and 39 F) over 50 years of age were studied. They were divided into subgroups according to the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH = LV mass index > 125 g m-2, when LV mass was assessed by M-mode echocardiography according to Penn's Convention). MPV was 3% higher in hypertensive patients with LVH compared with those without LVH (P > 0.05) and it was associated with the occurrence of LVH (chi-square = 8.44, P = 0.042). MPV significantly correlated with left ventricular mass index (r = 0.298, P = 0.004) and interventricular septum thickness (r = 0.231, P = 0.022). Both correlations remained significant after adjustment for age, blood pressure and glycaemia. MPV seemed to be associated with increased left ventricular mass and interventricular septum thickness in middle-aged to elderly hypertensive patients.