BackgroundThe PlA1/PlA2 polymorphism of the platelet glycoprotein IIIa has been variably associated with an increased risk of coronary thrombosis.MaterialsWe investigated the linkage between the PlA1/PlA2 polymorphism and the risk of myocardial infarction in 98 patients who suffered their first myocardial infarction at the age of 45 years or less and 98 well‐matched control subjects without coronary artery disease. Lipid parameters were measured using conventional methods of clinical chemistry; PlA genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the prevalence of PlA2‐positive genotypes (either PlA1/PlA2 or PlA2/PlA2) between patients and control subjects (χ2 = 0.66, d.f. = 1, P = 0.41).ConclusionsThese results suggest that the PlA2 polymorphism of the platelet glycoprotein IIIa does not contribute to the genetic susceptibility to premature myocardial infarction.