Abstract

Vaso-occlusive disorders including unstable angina, myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attacks, stroke and peripheral artery disease remain the major sources of morbidity and mortality in western civilization. Platelet activation and resulting platelet aggregation play a major role in the pathogenesis of these thromboembolic diseases. Recognition of the contribution of platelets to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease has provided impetus for the continued search for new antiplatelet agents. Hence, over the past two decades many strategies have been evaluated in the search for efficacious mechanisms to reduce platelet function. The medical need for more efficacious antithrombotic drugs and the growing understanding of the role of platelets in vascular injury have catalyzed the extensive evaluation of novel approaches to control platelet function. Along these lines, the volume therefore provides an in-depth assessment of ongoing clinical trials, new and clinically established agents, and other developments in this rapidly developing field.