Concurrent Morning Increase in Platelet Aggregability and the Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Sudden Cardiac Death

C. C T Smith, A. P. Wilson, B. N C Prichard, D. J. Betteridge, W. Meade Th., S. Dyer, G. H. Tofler, D. Brezinski, A. I. Schafer, A. Czeisler Ch., J. D. Rutherford, N. Willich St., R. E. Gleason, G. H. Williams, J. E. Muller

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

To the Editor: Tofler et al. suggest that morning increases in plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine may contribute to increased platelet aggregation (June 11 issue).1 There is no doubt that by themselves (high concentrations) or in synergistic association with other agonists (low concentrations), catecholamines promote platelet aggregation in vitro.2 3 4 5 However, we think that in vivo not only plasma catecholamines but also platelet catecholamines may have a role in the development of coronary heart disease. Thus, the likelihood of having a myocardial infarction may also depend on a patient's platelet catecholamine levels. Indeed, in studies in patients with pheochromocytoma, Zweifler and Romero…

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1736-1737
Number of pages2
JournalNew England Journal of Medicine
Volume317
Issue number27
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 31 1987

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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