Active Blood Platelets May Elevate Heart Attack Risk Despite Standard Treatment
New research reveals that hyperactive, RNA-rich blood platelets may cause heart attacks despite standard treatments, paving the way for personalized therapies. More at Medical Xpress.
Recent research from the University of Augsburg has identified a highly reactive subgroup of blood platelets that could contribute to heart attacks in patients with coronary heart disease, even when they are undergoing conventional medication. These platelets, known as reticulated platelets, are particularly young, RNA-rich, and highly responsive thrombocytes. The study highlights their crucial role in the formation of blood clots that can lead to cardiac events.
Professor Dr. Dario Bongiovanni, a leading researcher at Augsburg University Hospital, explains that their team conducted a comprehensive analysis of blood samples from over 90 patients with coronary heart disease, revealing that these young platelets possess a large number of activating signaling pathways. This biological characteristic makes them more sensitive and reactive than mature platelets, which explains their persistent activity despite drug therapy.
Coronary heart disease, caused by the narrowing of coronary arteries due to fat deposits, restricts oxygen supply to the heart and can result in chest pain, heart attacks, or sudden cardiac death. The findings are significant because they point to specific pathways, such as GPVI and PI3K, that could be targeted with new therapies. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that inhibiting these pathways can effectively reduce platelet hyperactivity.
This insight opens the door to personalized treatment options, where therapies could be tailored to the individual's platelet activity profile. The research, published in the European Heart Journal and presented at the ESC Congress 2025, marks a promising step toward reducing heart attack risk in patients who do not respond fully to existing medications.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-hyperactive-blood-platelets-linked-heart.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Gummy Shark: A Safe and Sustainable Protein Alternative for Children with Fish Allergies
New research indicates that gummy shark may be a safe and sustainable dietary option for children with fish allergies, offering hope for better nutrition and allergy management.
Genetic Research Unravels Causes of Rare and Complex Vascular Disorder
Genetic research uncovers key mutations responsible for complex and life-threatening vascular malformations, paving the way for targeted therapies.
New Imaging Techniques Uncover How Tiny Brain Vessels Pulse to Control Blood Flow
A new study utilizes laser speckle contrast imaging to uncover the rhythmic pulsations of tiny brain vessels, offering insights into blood flow regulation and brain health.
Assessing the Accuracy of Racial Minority Representation in US Cancer Registries
This article explores how well US cancer registration systems capture racial minority data and the implications for addressing health disparities. Recent studies highlight improvements and ongoing challenges in accurately classifying multiracial populations to better understand cancer incidence and mortality rates.