Circulating platelet products in unstable angina pectoris.

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Abstract
In 19 patients with unstable angina pectoris at rest, plasma levels of the platelet-derived proteins .beta.-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 were significantly elevated in blood samples obtained during or within 4 h after episodes of angina, but were usually normal during quiescent intervals. Plasma levels of the arachidonic acid metabolite thromboxane B2 were less clearly related to angina. There was no association of angina with levels of coagulation product fibrinopeptide A. This demonstration of an association of platelet activation and secretion with unstable angina pectoris by radioimmunoassay of circulating platelet constituents offers a new approach to assessment of therapy in ischemic heart disease and suggests that agents that alter platelet function should be evaluated in patients with unstable angina.