Platelet activation in coronary artery disease.

The role of platelets in coronary artery disease has become increasingly apparent in the last decade. Platelets are the main components of arterial thrombi, and they also contribute to the development of atheroma and smooth muscle hypertrophy in arterial walls. Platelets are known to circulate as round, inactive spheres which undergo a succession of changes before they become functional. These changes result in activated platelets. Platelet activation has been demonstrated during acute coronary events. There is increasing evidence that an increased proportion of platelets circulate in an activated form in patients with coronary artery disease and also in other disease states in which thrombosis is a feature. In this review we examine some of the evidence for these statements.