Abstract
Platelets play a key role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes. Our understanding of platelet function in thrombus formation has increased considerably, resulting in the development of clinically effective treatment strategies and identification of new targets. An underappreciated platelet function is their contribution toward acute and chronic inflammatory processes including atherogenesis. In this review, we discuss the role of platelets in atherosclerosis and thrombosis, platelet function testing, and the pharmacology of currently available antiplatelet drugs.
MeSH terms
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Acute Coronary Syndrome / blood
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Acute Coronary Syndrome / drug therapy*
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Acute Coronary Syndrome / physiopathology
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Animals
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Blood Platelets / drug effects*
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Blood Platelets / metabolism
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Coronary Artery Disease / blood
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Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy*
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Coronary Artery Disease / physiopathology
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Coronary Thrombosis / blood
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Coronary Thrombosis / drug therapy*
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Coronary Thrombosis / physiopathology
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Humans
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Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
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Platelet Function Tests
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors