Metplar
Recruitment is CLOSED for this study
The key aims of this study are to explore the relationship between a selection of factors and platelet reactivity by comparing platelet responses between individuals within the population. A secondary aim is to see whether platelet function can be used as a marker of metabolic problems and the associated increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
The World Health Organisation has identified that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently the world's leading cause of death. Many of these deaths are caused by the formation of a thrombus (blood clot) within a blood vessel, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The formation of a thrombus is essential following damage to the blood vessel as the thrombus 'plugs' the gap and prevents excessive blood loss. However, unwanted thrombus formation in arteries caused by inappropriate activation of platelets can have severe and drastic consequences.
This study aims to investigate how factors such as blood glucose (sugar); hormones such as insulin (needed for the body to use glucose); cholesterol and lipids (fats) influence platelet activity and function, and how an individual responds to anti-platelet medication such as aspirin and Clopidogrel, which are used to prevent thrombosis in 'at risk' patients. Understanding how these factors influence platelet activity and function is crucial for the development of new anti-platelet drugs with the aim of preventing and improving treatment of heart disease and stroke. This study has been funded by the British Heart Foundation.
Eligibility Criteria
- 30-65 years old
- Drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week
- Non-smoker
- Do not suffer from Diabetes, heart disease, renal, bowel or liver diseases
- Do not regularly use medication (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood lipids, and inflammatory conditions)
- Refrain from taking supplements for the duration of the study
- To attend 1 Screening visit, and 1-2 study visits