Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
[Anti-platelet treatment in cardiology]
1Département de Cardiologie, Hôpital de la Tour, Meyrin-Genève. edb@latour.ch
Insights
Antiplatelet medications are crucial for cardiovascular disease treatment. This review examines aspirin, clopidogrel, and glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors, highlighting their roles in atherosclerosis management.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Thrombosis
Context:
- Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality globally.
- Antiplatelet therapy is a cornerstone in managing atherosclerotic conditions.
- Current treatment paradigms involve both traditional and novel antiplatelet agents.
Purpose:
- To provide a comprehensive review of antiplatelet agents used in cardiovascular disease.
- To discuss the mechanisms, efficacy, and clinical applications of aspirin, clopidogrel, and glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors.
- To synthesize current literature on antiplatelet drug development and utilization.
Summary:
- Aspirin, a long-established antiplatelet drug, remains widely used for atherosclerosis.
- Newer agents, including clopidogrel and anti-glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antibodies, offer alternative or adjunctive therapeutic options.
- This review synthesizes extensive data on these compounds for clinical application.
Impact:
- Informs clinicians on the appropriate selection and use of antiplatelet therapies.
- Provides insights into the evolving landscape of antiplatelet drug development.
- Contributes to improved patient outcomes in cardiovascular disease management.
Abstract:
Antiplatelets are today one of the pivotal treatment in cardiovascular disease. Aspirin, used for more than 100 years, continue to be the most used drug in the treatment of athe rosclerosis. However, new antiplatelet molecules such as clopidogrel and antibodies against glycoprotein IIb-IIIa are now part of the daily treatment for the general as well for the interventional cardiologist. This paper is a review of these different compounds in the light of the huge data available in the literature.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

