Background: Platelet indices are potentially useful markers for the early detection of the thromboembolic diseases. Platelets are known to be implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders including atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Platelet hyperactivity and activation have been suggested to play a role in acute coronary syndrome. The degree of activation is indirectly measured by platelet indices viz. mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet counts (PC). Hence the present study is undertaken to analyse these parameters in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Objectives: To determine platelet indices and platelet count in cases and compare it with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: This was a comparative study which included 107 cases diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome and 100 age and sex matched healthy controls. The platelet indices and platelet count of both the groups were obtained by automated hematoanalyser. Plalelet counts thus obtained were confirmed by peripheral smear study. These data were entered in Microsoft excel and analysed using the EPI.INFO version 7.0. Results: The MPV & PDW were significantly higher in cases with ACS as compared to controls. Conclusion: Measurement of platelet indices and platelet count is a simple and cost effective tool that can be used as a marker of coagulation.

Keywords: Platelet Indices; Platelet Distribution Width; Mean Platelet Volume; Platelet Count; Acute Coronary Syndrome.