[Early arteriosclerosis with increased thrombocyte aggregation (author's transl)].

The importance of thrombocyte function in atherogenesis is discussed in the light of experimental and clinical results. Adhesion and aggregation of thrombocytes on an intact or injured artery wall may be the first step to atherosclerotic plaque. In vitro measurements of aggregation, in vivo measurements of thrombocytic survival time and microscopic and histological examinations are all consistent in showing a rise in aggregation of thrombocytes in the early stages of arteriosclerosis. The measurement of thrombocyte function is therefore recommended in addition to the known risk factors in patients with a greater risk of arteriosclerosis.