Red cell and platelet distribution widths in patients with angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction.

Aim: We aimed to determine the relationship of red cell and platelet distribution widths with the onset of acute myocardial infarction, to enable the early detection and prevention of acute myocardial infarction.

Methods: Red cell and platelet distribution widths were retrospectively determined in 46 patients with stable angina pectoris and 140 patients with acute myocardial infarction who were brought to the emergency department of our institution. Red cell and platelet distribution widths were determined with an automatic blood cell analyzer, and the results were compared between the acute myocardial infarction and angina pectoris groups.

Results: Both red cell and platelet distribution width values obtained at onset were significantly higher in the acute myocardial infarction group than in the angina pectoris group (red cell distribution widths, 46.4 ± 0.51% versus 44.5 ± 0.59%; mean difference -1.91 [95% confidence interval (CI), -3.79 to -0.34]; platelet distribution widths, 12.1 ± 0.22 fL versus 11.1 ± 0.17 fL; mean difference -1.03 [95% CI, -1.58 to -0.47]). The red cell distribution widths before onset was not different between the acute myocardial infarction and angina pectoris groups; however, the platelet distribution widths before onset was higher in the acute myocardial infarction group (red cell distribution widths, 46.5 ± 0.85% versus 45.9 ± 0.59%; mean difference -0.71 [95% CI, -2.74 to 1.30]; platelet distribution widths, 11.4 ± 0.39 fL versus 10.6 ± 0.21 fL; mean difference -0.83 [95% CI, -1.66 to 0.11]).

Conclusion: Red cell distribution widths and especially platelet distribution widths may contribute to the early detection of acute myocardial infarction.