Interv Akut Kardiol. 2012;11(1):15-17

Thromboembolism, coagulation and atherothrombosis

Tomáš Kvasnička

Trombotické centrum, ÚKBLD, VFN a 1. LF UK, Praha

The epidemiological and clinical relations between venous thromboembolism and increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases are

intensively studied at present. The classic concept of atherosclerosis indicate a pivotal role of inflammation in the development and

progression of this disease. Atherothrombosis is a disease specific for „a modern“ population and is the most common disease, which

significantly increases mortality and impaires prognosis of the patients. This is a generalized process affecting large and medium size

arteries in a human body. Experimental data indicate that platelets and the coagulation system are important factors of both atherogenesis

and atherothrombosis. Haemostatic system is an important factor in the vascular system, which may influence the molecular

and cellular composition of the arterial wall. The current concept of a vulnerable plaque suggests that repeated plaque microruptures,

followed by subclinical thrombosis, are critical mechanism for plaque growth and vulnerability. In the future, an assessment of the individual

risk, based on molecular genetic approach, may improve the diagnostics and therapeutic effect.

Keywords: atherosclerosis, atherothrombosis, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, haemostatic system, platelets

Published: January 28, 2012  Show citation