What do high mpv levels mean

This is sometimes a sign that the body is producing too many platelets [ 17 ]. However, a high MPV on its own is not informative enough and must be looked at in conjunction with other tests to diagnose platelet-associated conditions. Causes shown below are commonly associated with high MPV. A study with people found that lower blood vitamin D levels were associated with high MPV [ 18 ]. A study of obese and non-obese people suggests that obesity may be associated with significantly higher MPV.

Other metabolic disorders that have been associated with higher MPV include high cholesterol, diabetes, and insulin resistance [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Both underactive and overactive thyroid hypo- or hyperthyroidism have been linked to higher MPV [ 23 , 24 ]. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies attack platelets. Slow-growing blood cancers myeloproliferative disorders and various other cancers have been associated with higher MPV [ 14 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].

Chronic myeloid leukemia CML is a rare type of cancer of the blood cells. Platelet production in this disease is abnormal and results in giant platelets. Some inherited genetic disorders can increase MPV. One of the most common such disorders is thalassemia, an inherited red blood cell disorder [ 14 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Several studies, each of a couple hundred people, suggest that smokers have higher MPV and that smoking cessation helps decrease it [ 35 , 36 , 37 ].

In a study of people with a suddenly reduced heart blood flow acute coronary syndrome , MPV on average was higher in people living at high altitudes [ 38 ]. Under certain conditions, platelets can be harmful, causing blood clots to form where they are not needed. Sometimes, clots will form inside blood vessels, restricting the flow of blood to tissues. Parts of these clots can also break off and travel through the bloodstream, where they lodge in the lungs, heart, and brain, causing severe damage and even death [ 39 , 40 ].

A factor in dangerous blood clot formation is platelet size. Research suggests that larger platelets are more active and form more blood clots. Several studies have linked higher mean platelet volume MPV to heart attacks and clots in the deep veins [ 41 , 42 ]. In addition, there are two meta-analyses showing an association between heart attacks and higher MPV. However, these studies compared platelet size between people with heart disease and people without [ 44 , 45 ].

While a causal link between MPV and heart attacks is plausible, large-scale studies are needed to conclude whether a higher baseline MPV is linked to a higher future risk of heart attacks. Discuss the strategies listed below with your doctor.

None of these strategies should ever be done in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes! A high MPV is often due to an underlying medical condition. Diabetes and obesity are associated with higher MPV [ 21 , 19 ]. If you are overweight, implementing a diet and exercise regime that can help you lose weight may also help lower your MPV. Here's what you need to know about fasting before a blood test, including how long to fast for and if you can drink coffee.

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Testing process. High MPV meaning. Low MPV meaning. The bottom line. Read this next. Hematocrit Test. Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. Blood Glucose Test. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther. Effects of high altitude and sea level on mean platelet volume and platelet count in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

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Table of Contents. Purpose of Test. How the Test Is Done. Normal MPV. High MPV. Low MPV. Further Testing. What Is a Bone Marrow Biopsy? Was this page helpful?

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