Lifestyle modification decreases the mean platelet volume in prehypertensive patients

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of platelet activation. The present study was designed to investigate platelet function by measuring MPV, platelet count (PLC) and platelet mass (PLM) in prehypertensive (PHT) subjects. Additionally, we also evaluated the effects of lifestyle modification on platelet functions by measuring MPV, PLC and PLM. We selected 36 newly diagnosed PHT patients and 21 control subjects (BP < 120/80 mmHg) matched for age and sex. Lifestyle modifications (weight loss, reduced sodium intake, increased physical activity, limited alcohol consumption and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet) were recommended to PHT individuals for 20 weeks. At entry into the study, although PLM and PLC values were similar between study groups, MPV values were significantly higher in the PHT group than in the control group (respectively, 10.41 ± 0.93 fl vs. 9.56 ± 1.04 fl, p < 0.01). Additionally, MPV was positively correlated with the systolic blood pressure (BP), body mass inde...