Association of mean platelet volume with risk of stroke among 3134 individuals with history of cerebrovascular disease

Background and Purpose - Mean platelet volume (MPV) is positively associated with measures of platelet activity and may be a useful indicator of the risk of vascular events in a variety of patient groups. Methods - The association of MPV with the risk of stroke was assessed in the Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study ( PROGRESS). All participants had a history of cerebrovascular disease at baseline, and analyses were adjusted for the effects of potential confounders. Results - The study followed 3134 individuals for an average of 3.9 years ( mean age, 65 years; 71% male; average MPV, 10.0 fL). Three hundred eighty-three individuals had 402 stroke events, and 160 had major coronary events. MPV was positively associated with the risk of stroke, with an 11% increased relative risk (95% CI, 3% to 19%) of stroke per femtoliter greater MPV. There was no clear association of MPV with the risk of major coronary events (9% decreased relative risk; 95% CI, - 23% to 7%). Perindopril did not alter MPV. Conclusions - MPV is an independent predictor of the risk of stroke among individuals with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack. The measurement of MPV may add useful prognostic information for clinicians managing patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease.