The use of antiplatelet agents in cardiac disease.

In this clinical review, the authors focus on the process of platelet activation and thrombosis in acute and chronic coronary syndromes. New antithrombotic therapies have emerged for various cardiovascular diseases, based on the evolving concept of vascular injury and platelets and the knowledge of the pathophysiology of the underlying disease states. An understanding of these mechanisms is crucial to therapeutic decision making with antiplatelet regimens, which are also discussed in detail.