Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Antagonists in Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract
Atherosclerotic heart disease is the most common cause of death in developed countries.1 Thrombosis with platelet deposition and fibrin formation begins immediately (within 1-24 hours) after spontaneous or mechanical injury and is usually mural and subocclusive.2 Plaque disruption activates the coagulation cascade leading to thrombin generation. Exposure of deeper components of atherosclerotic plaques (collagen, tissue factor) and thrombin generated by arterial injury are powerful platelet activators (Figure 1). Angiographic,4,5 angioscopic,6 pathologic,7 and biochemical8 evidence support the role of thrombus in the pathogenesis of acute myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina, and percutaneous coronary intervention.9