EVIDENCE OF PLATELET ACTIVATION IN HYPERTENSION

To test the hypothesis that platelet activation is present in hyperten sion, we measured plasma markers beta thromboglobulin and soluble P-se lectin in hypertensive patients and normotensive controls. Both marker s were raised in the patients (P < 0.05), and in a subgroup of patient s, beta thromboglobulin was reduced with successful treatment of hyper tension with the ACE inhibitor quinapril. We suggest that reversible p latelet activation is present in hypertension. This may be a contribut ing factor to the link between this risk factor and the development of thrombotic disease such as stroke.