Platelet and Prothrombin Activity in Hyertensive Blacks Living in a High Altitude

Abstract

Platelets usually provide a procoagulant activity for the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin during normal haemostatis. The basis of this activity was evaluated in hypertensive blacks living in a high altitude using a one-stage prothrombin time assay and platelet counts. Blood samples collected from 100 patients at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital were evaluated along with samples from 50 apparently healthy control subjects. Our results show that hypertensives with lower platelet count had prolonged prothrombin times. These were significant at a P-value of 0.05 as compared to normal control subjects. We therefore, conclude that platelet count and prothrombin times in hypertensive blacks are not accentuated to increased procoagulant activity due to a high altitude.


Key Words: Platelets, Prothrombin, Hypertension


Jnl of Medical Investigation and Practice Vol.2 2001: 54-57