Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Platelet activation
and aggregation play an integral role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Diets and nutrients
play a potential role in modifying CVD progression, particularly in platelet function,
and have the potential of altering platelet function tests. Diets such as Mediterranean
diet, high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and vegetarian diets have
inverse relationships with CVD. Dark chocolate, foods with low glycemic index, garlic,
ginger, omega-3 PUFA, onion, purple grape juice, tomato, and wine all reduce platelet
aggregation. Dark chocolate and omega-3 PUFA also reduce P-selectin expression. In
addition, dark chocolate reduces PAC-1 binding and platelet microparticle formation.
Berries inhibit platelet function (PFA-100). Energy drinks have been shown to increase
platelet aggregation and caffeine increases platelet microparticle formation. Therefore,
repeat testing of platelet function may be required, not only after exclusion of known
antiplatelet medications but also potentially after exclusion of dietary substances/nutrients
that could have plausibly affected initial test data.
Keywords
cardiovascular disease - platelet function - nutrients - diet
