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Published on: May 24, 2020

Atherothrombosis: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and prevention

Mark A Munger1, David W Hawkins

  • 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.

Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : Japha
|April 21, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Atherothrombosis, a process involving atherosclerosis and thrombus formation, underlies major vascular events. Lifestyle changes and antiplatelet agents like aspirin are key to preventing heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Biology
  • Thrombosis Research

Background:

  • Atherothrombosis, characterized by atherosclerosis and superimposed thrombus formation, is a generalized vascular process.
  • It underlies critical cardiovascular events such as acute coronary syndromes, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
  • The clinical manifestations are often unpredictable and life-threatening.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiology of atherothrombosis.
  • To outline preventive strategies including lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy.
  • To emphasize the role of antiplatelet agents in managing atherothrombosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of Medline (1995-2003) using terms related to atherothrombosis, pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatment.
  • Screening of recent systematic English-language review articles for relevant information.
  • Synthesis of data on the mechanisms and management of atherothrombosis.

Main Results:

  • Atherothrombosis, not just arterial stenosis, drives most acute ischemic events.
  • Effective interventions include lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) and pharmacotherapy (lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antiglycemic, antiplatelet drugs).
  • Platelets play a crucial role in thrombus formation, supporting the use of complementary antiplatelet agents like aspirin and clopidogrel.

Conclusions:

  • Ischemic diseases in cerebrovascular, coronary, and peripheral arteries share a common pathology: atherothrombosis.
  • Secondary prevention of an ischemic event in one arterial bed provides primary prevention for other beds.
  • Comprehensive management of atherothrombosis is vital for preventing diverse clinical sequelae.
Abstract

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