Introduction. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is an easily measurable parameter directly correlated with platelet aggregation function, proven to be increased in acute coronary syndromes, but also in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors such as the metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension.

Objective. This study intended to assess the role of the metabolic syndrome in MPV variation in patients presenting with chest pain.

Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed data from 122 patients with chest pain and negative cardiac enzymes admitted consecutively to our clinic from September 1st 2011 to January 30th 2012. Our group included 27 (22.13%) patients with stable angina (SA), 74 (60.65%) patients with unstable angina (UA) and 21 (17.22%) patients with non-coronary chest pain.

Results. Patients with UA had a higher mean value of the MPV 9.31 ± 1.19 fL compared to patients with SA 8.72 ± 1.14 fL (p=0.0279) and patients with non-coronary chest pain 8.85 ± 0.90 L (p=0.0908). All the patients with metabolic syndrome had increased MPVs, regardless of the etiology of chest pain. Patients with non-coronary chest pain presented significantly higher MPVs if associated with metabolic syndrome or arterial hypertension.

Conclusions. Patients with cardiovascular risk factors, especially complex ones like the metabolic syndrome had an increased MPV, as did the patients with UA whether or not associated with the risk factors. In patients without such comorbidities, the MPV could be useful in distinguishing unstable angina from non-coronary chest pain.