ABSTRACT
The acute coronary syndromes are ultimately the clinical manifestations of a disease process that begins and perpetuates at a localized segment of the coronary artery. The disruption of an atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery is fundamental for the development of arterial thrombosis and myocardial ischemia. Thrombosis is central to the pathogenesis of the acute coronary syndromes. Platelet activation and aggregation not only causes blood flow obstruction, but also their phospholipid-rich surface acts as a catalyst for fibrin deposition and thrombus extension. In addition, platelets adhered to the site of injury interact continuously with the arterial wall and other circulating factors.
