Platelet Activation in Atherothrombosis.

Platelets are essential for primary hemostasis and repair of the endothelium, but they also play a key role in the development of acute coronary syndromes and contribute to cerebrovascular events. In addition, they participate in the process of forming and extending atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process, and inflammation is an important component of acute coronary syndromes. The relation between chronic and acute vascular inflammation is unclear, but platelets are a source of inflammatory mediators, and the activation of platelets by inflammatory triggers may be a critical component of atherothrombosis. This review article describes the role of platelets...