Thrombosis in ischemic heart disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pathophysiology
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Atherosclerotic plaque disruption initiates thrombus formation, a key mechanism in acute coronary syndromes like myocardial infarction and unstable angina.
• Thrombus formation contributes to chronic atherosclerotic disease progression and restenosis after coronary angioplasty.
• Current therapeutic strategies for thrombus involve pharmacological agents and intracoronary interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathogenetic mechanisms of thrombus formation in atherosclerosis.
• To outline current therapeutic approaches for managing intracoronary thrombus.
• To discuss emerging strategies for the primary prevention of thrombus formation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pathogenetic mechanisms of thrombus formation.
• Analysis of current pharmacological and interventional treatments for thrombus.
• Examination of ongoing and recent clinical trials for plaque stabilization and hypercoagulability reduction.

Main Results:

• Thrombus formation is central to myocardial infarction (arterial occlusion) and unstable angina (mural thrombus).
• Therapeutic interventions aim to prevent thrombus extension, dissolve fibrin, inhibit platelet aggregation, or mechanically open arteries.
• Primary prevention strategies, including plaque stabilization and reducing hypercoagulability, are under investigation.

Conclusions:

• Thrombus formation is a critical determinant in acute coronary syndromes and atherosclerotic disease progression.
• Effective management requires a combination of antithrombotic therapies and revascularization techniques.
• Future research focuses on primary prevention through plaque modification and modulation of coagulation pathways.