Hyperlipidemic Platelets in Blood Donors: A Correlative Study in North Indian Population

ABSTRACT

Background: Elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoproteins are an important risk factor for heart diseases and the premature start of atherosclerosis. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between lipid profile and platelets parameters of blood donors and to find out the association of platelet volume indices with heart diseases. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was done involving blood donors (n=80) from the Department of Transfusion Medicine, King George’s Medical University Lucknow (June 2015-December 2015). Medical history from blood donors by questionnaire was taken and lipid levels were analyzed by blood samples. Results: Out of 80 blood samples 30 were hyperlipidemic and 50 were normolipidemic. There was statistical significance in sex age and weight (p=0.05) in hyperlipidemic groups. Platelet parameters were also significantly higher in hyperlipidemic groups as well as a significant association was found between hyperlipidemia on the basis of the donor’s weight and platelet parameters (p=0.05). Conclusion: Elevated platelet volume indices are an increased risk of heart diseases with hyperlipidemia. Further studies on larger sample size need to establish the observation.