Increase in platelet aggregation following a rise in plasma free fatty acids.

Platelet aggregation was studied following intravenous injection of heparin to nine healthy adults. Heparin is known to produce an increase in the concentration of free fatty acids (FFA) within 10 minutes of intravenous injection. A significant correlation was found between the intensity of primary platelet aggregation and changes in plasma FFA levels. No correlation was found between plasma FFA levels and the intensity of secondary platelet aggregation.