Thrombogenic potential of whole blood is higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome than in patients with stable coronary diseases

Introduction

Although thrombogenic potential of blood may play an important role for the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), there is no established way to evaluate it by single parameter. We compared the thrombogenic potential of whole blood between patients with ACS and those with stable coronary diseases using single comprehensive parameter.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive patients with ACS (n = 146) and those with stable coronary heart diseases (control, n = 92) were prospectively examined. Thrombogenic potential of whole blood was evaluated by blood vulnerability index measured by Micro-Channel Array Flow Analyzer (MC-FAN).

Results

Blood vulnerability index was higher in ACS than in control patients (5099 ± 2278 vs. 2071 ± 389, p < 0.0001), higher in acute MI than in unstable angina patients (5693 ± 2146 vs. 3524 ± 1841, p < 0.0001), and higher in ACS patients with initial TIMI 0/1 flow grade than in those with TIMI 2/3 flow grade (6061 ± 1936 vs. 2560 ± 1301, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, blood vulnerability index decreased from acute to chronic stage in acute MI patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that high blood vulnerability index, high LDL cholesterol, high CRP, no use of aspirin, and no use of β-blocker were the independent contributors for the onset of ACS.

Conclusion

High thrombogenic potential of whole blood evaluated by blood vulnerability index was significantly associated with ACS and was reduced from acute to chronic stage in acute MI.

Condensed Abstract

Thrombogenic potential of whole blood was evaluated by blood vulnerability index measured comprehensively by Micro-Channel Array Flow Analyzer (MC-FAN) in consecutive patients with ACS (n = 146) or stable coronary diseases (control, n = 92) prospectively. Blood vulnerability index was significantly higher in ACS patients, especially in acute MI and poor initial TIMI flow grade patients, compared with control patients; and blood vulnerability index was reduced from acute to chronic stage in acute MI patients.