Thrombosis

Blood coagulation plays a role in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic vascular disease. Acute myocardial infarction is generally associated with partial or complete thrombotic occlusion of one of the coronary arteries, whereas embolic stroke usually is associated with clot formation in the left atrium, left ventricle, or carotid arteries. Arteries in the lower extremities may get occluded by thrombosis, leading to ischaemia or amputation. Finally, venous thromboembolism is mainly caused by thrombus formation in the veins of the pelvis and/or the legs. This chapter deals with the effectiveness and safety of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.