PLATELET ACTIVATION IN CORONARY-ARTERY DISEASE

The role of platelets in coronary artery disease has become increasing ly apparent in the last decade. Platelets are the main components of a rterial thrombi, and they also contribute to the development of athero ma and smooth muscle hypertrophy in arterial walls. Platelets are know n to circulate as round, inactive spheres which undergo a succession o f changes before they become functional. These changes result in activ ated platelets. Platelet activation has been demonstrated during acute coronary events. There is increasing evidence that an increased propo rtion of platelets circulate in an activated form in patients with cor onary artery disease and also in other disease states in which thrombo sis is a feature. In this review we examine some of the evidence for t hese statements.