OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of supplementing qi and activating blood circulation method (YQHX) on platelet aggregation rate (PAgR), platelet adhesion rate (PAdR) and thromboxane B2(TXB2) level in patients with stable angina pectoris and intolerable to aspirin.

METHODSSeventy-six out-patients with stable angina (qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrom) pectoris intolerable to aspirin were randomized into two groups, 40 in the treated group and 36 in the control group. Both received conventional Western medicinal treatment with YQHX to the treated group additionally, for 1 month. PAgR, PAdR, TXB2 level, platelet count, hemoglobin concentration and fecal occult blood were measured before and 1 month after treatment, and the cardiac events as well as diges tive symptoms occurred in the observation period were recorded.

RESULTSPAgR, PAdR and TXB2 level lowered in the treated group after 1-month treatment showed a significant difference to those of baseline, and also to those in the control group (all P <0.01). But no significant difference was found between pre-treatment and post-treatment, also between the two groups in platelet count, hemoglobin concentration, fecal figure and incidence of adverse cardiac events, as well as digestive symptoms (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONYQHX can effectively inhibit the platelet function in patients with stable angina pectoris without aggravation of digestive symptoms. Cardiac event reducing effect of YQHX was not seen in this study, it is necessary for large sampled study for confirmation.