The frequency of aspirin resistance and its risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome

Background Although different populations were examined for the incidence of aspirin resistance, the frequency and related risk factors for aspirin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome have not been reported yet. This study aimed to determine the frequency of aspirin resistance and its risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study in 110 patients with metabolic syndrome. After one week of 100 mg/day aspirin, blood samples were obtained. Platelet function analyzer (PFA-100™) was used to determine the frequency of aspirin resistance. Endothelial functions, carotid intima media thickness, and the presence of plaques in the carotid arteries were evaluated for subclinical atherosclerosis and the levels of inflammatory markers were assessed as risk factors for aspirin resistance. The presence of subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as a maximum carotid intima media thickness of ≥ 0.9 mm and/or the presence of carotid atheroma. Results Aspirin resistance was detected in 21.9% of the patients. In the multivariate analysis, hs-CRP levels (odds ratio [95% CI] = 2.8 [1.3–5.9], p = 0.009), diastolic blood pressure, (0.9 [0.8–1.0], p = 0.007), and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis (4.1 [1.4–12.2], p = 0.012) were statistically significant risk factors for aspirin resistance. Conclusions We concluded that the frequency of aspirin resistance confirmed in this cohort of patients with metabolic syndrome was higher in patients with a lower diastolic blood pressure, higher hs-CRP levels and atherosclerotic changes in their carotid arteries.