Are you highly susceptible to bruising more than others? If this is the case, you may have a problem with your platelets, which are disk-shaped cell fragments that aid in preventing bleeding.

A mean platelet volume (MPV) test can assist you in determining the size and activity of your platelets. Too high or too low MPV levels may indicate a bleeding disorder or bone marrow disease. Continue reading to learn more about the implications of a high MPV blood test on your health.

High MPV Blood Test meaning

A high MPV blood test indicates that your platelets are larger than normal. This could be an indication that you’re producing too many platelets.

Platelets are made in the bone marrow and then released into the bloodstream. Larger platelets are typically younger and have just been released from the bone marrow. Platelets that are smaller in size are more likely to have been in circulation for a few days.

When a person’s platelet count is low, but their MPV level is high, it means their bone marrow is producing platelets quickly. This could be because older platelets are being destroyed, and the bone marrow is compensating.

High MPV Value

When an MPV value exceeds 12 fl, it is considered higher than normal. This indicates that the platelets’ average size is greater than the average.
The MPV test result, on the other hand, cannot be interpreted on its own. The total platelet count should be included as well.
When the MPV value is high, and the total platelet count is low, it means the bone marrow is producing platelets quickly.
Platelets recently released from the bone marrow are larger and circulate through the bloodstream, whereas older platelets are smaller and circulate through the bloodstream.
As a result, a higher MPV value could mean that older platelets are being destroyed, resulting in more platelets being produced in the bone marrow.
Because increased MPV correlates with platelet activation, it could also be a cause of platelet activation in some cancers.
Furthermore, a higher MPV value may indicate the presence of other diseases such as heart disease, hypothyroidism, stroke, or high blood pressure.

Causes of High MPV

High MPV is frequently associated with the causes listed below. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, consult with your doctor or another health care professional.

1. Vitamin D Deficiency

Studies have proved that lower blood vitamin D levels were associated with high MPV.

2. Obesity and Other Metabolic Disorders

Obesity may be associated with significantly higher MPV, according to research. In the obese group, the MPV increased with increasing BMI.

High MPV blood test has also been associated with other metabolic disorders such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and insulin resistance.

3. Thyroid Disorders

Higher MPV has been linked to a both underactive and overactive thyroid (hypo- or hyperthyroidism).

4. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder that causes antibodies to attack platelets. It is linked to a higher MPV.

5. Cancer

Increased MPV is associated with platelet activation, which can occur when platelets contact tumour byproducts. However, having a high MPV blood test does not imply that you have cancer. If you have a family history of cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend additional testing to ensure no other symptoms.

A high MPV blood test indicates increased platelet production, which is linked to a lower survival rate. Trusted Source for a variety of cancers, including:

lung cancer
ovarian cancer
endometrial cancer
colon cancer
kidney cancer
stomach cancer
pancreatic cancer
breast cancer

Remember that MPV refers to the size of your platelets, not the number of them. So you don’t have anything if you don’t have your MPV.

6. Genetic Disorders

Some inherited genetic disorders can increase MPV. One of the most common such disorders is thalassemia, an inherited red blood cell disorder.

7. Smoking

Several studies involving hundreds of people suggest that smokers have higher MPV and that quitting smoking helps reduce it.

8. High Altitude

In a study for a group of people with suddenly reduced heart blood flow (acute coronary syndrome), MPV on average was higher in people living at high altitudes.

Health Consequences of a High MPV

Platelets can be harmful in certain situations, causing blood clots where they aren’t needed. Clots can form inside blood vessels, impeding blood flow to tissues. Parts of these clots can also break off and travel through the bloodstream, causing severe damage and even death in the lungs, heart, and brain.

Platelet size is a factor in the formation of dangerous blood clots. Larger platelets, according to research, are more active and form more blood clots. In addition, several studies have linked a higher mean platelet volume (MPV) to heart attacks and deep vein clots.

People with a higher MPV (>or= 9.5 fL) at baseline had a higher risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism) during the 10-year follow-up period, compared to people with a lower MPV (MPV 8.5 fL).

Furthermore, two meta-analyses have found a link between heart attacks and higher MPV. These studies, on the other hand, compared platelet size in people with and without heart disease.

While a causal link between MPV and heart attacks is plausible, large-scale studies are needed to determine whether a higher baseline MPV is linked to a higher risk of heart attacks in the future.

What can I do to lower the MPV?

While a causal link between MPV and heart attacks is plausible, large-scale studies are needed to determine whether a higher baseline MPV is linked to a higher risk of heart attacks in the future.

Consult your doctor about the strategies listed below. None of these methods should be in place of what your doctor suggests or prescribes!

Address Underlying Conditions

An underlying medical condition is often the cause of a high MPV. The most important thing is to work with your doctor to figure out what’s causing your high MPV and treat any underlying problems!