Increased platelet adhesion and aggregation has been reported in patients suffering from rheumatic valvular heart disease and from atherosclerotic heart disease. We therefore measured spontaneous aggregation “PAT III” (Breddin) and ADP-induced platelet aggregation (Born) in 141 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization. There were 50 patients with coronary heart disease, 41 with valvular heart disease, 18 with cardiomyopathy; 32 with normal findings at catheterization served as control group.In comparison to controls, patients with coronary heart disease had significantly increased aggregation. Subdivision into 1, 2, or 3 vessel disease revealed no significant differences. Patients with valvular heart disease also had significantly increased aggregation. This appears to be particularly the case after valvular grafting. Cardiomyopathies were not associated with increased platelet aggregation.
Doppler echocardiography versus cardiac catheterization in the evaluation of valvular heart disease: Do we have a gold standard?