[Statins and thrombogenesis].

Antithrombotic effects of statins are based on two main phenomenons. Statins have the ability to strengthen a vulnerable plaque as well as to downregulate blood coagulation and platelet function. The latter seem to be mediated through the inhibition of the mevalonate pathway and especially the isoprenylation of signalling proteins. In clinical studies, statins decrease the risk of both arterial atherothrombosis and venous thromboembolism. According to recent clinical data, antithrombotic effects of statin therapy take place promptly. It is therefore justifiable to use immediate and potent statin medication in the patients with an acute coronary syndrome and/or percutaneous coronary intervention. Although the new results on the prevention of venous thrombosis are promising, evidence-based antithrombotic therapy should not be substituted by statin medication.