Molecular markers of hemostatic activation in atherosclerosis: a new concept in diagnostic profiling of endogenous pathophysiologic transition.

Molecular markers of hemostatic activation provide a reliable measure of the endogenous pathophysiologic state in atherosclerosis. Measurement of these markers before and after exercise provides a diagnostic probe for cellular-vascular interactions in patients with atherosclerosis. Molecular markers may possibly identify very early stages of atherosclerosis due to their inherent sensitivity. A high-risk cardiovascular population can be easily recognized by profiling molecular markers of hemostatic activation. Newly developed immunoassays can be used to quantitate these markers in routine laboratories. Additional clinical studies are needed to establish the diagnostic role of these molecular markers in patients with atherosclerosis and related disorders.