Basics of antithrombotic therapy for cardiovascular disease: Pharmacologic tlargets of platelet inhibitors and anticoagulants

Arterial thrombus formation is the common pathophysiologic process of cardiovascular disease manifestations, requiring interplay between platelets and coagulation factors. Current platelet inhibitors block the formation of thromboxane A2and interfer with adenosine diphosphate stimulation mediated by the P2Y12receptor. Novel antiplatelet agents blocking these and other pathways are under clinical development. Thrombin represents a bridge between platelets and coagulation. Indirect and direct thrombin inhibitors are pivotal in clinical settings. Other key coagulation factors include factors IX and X which are therapeutic targets of current and novel anticoagulants. This article reviews the pathophysiology of arterial thrombosis and current and novel antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.