The Hemostatic System in Arterial Thrombosis and Coronary Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Thrombosis is the formation of a thrombus within a blood vessel, which partially or completely obstructs the blood ?ow. While venous thrombosis had much interest, arterial thrombosis needs more elucidations. The incidence of arterial thrombosis is increasing, worldwide, specifically in the form of coronary heart disease. Although venous and arterial thrombosis have traditionally been considered distinct pathophysiologic entities, the two disorders have many features in common, and there is evidence that persons with venous thrombosis may be at greater risk for arterial events, and vice versa. This review discusses the central pathogenic mechanisms of arterial thrombosis, particularly in atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. In addition, the roles of different hemostatic components in initiating atherosclerosis itself are discussed.