Progress in cardiovascular diseases
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Prog Cardiovasc Dis · Nov 1997
ReviewThrombosis, antithrombotic agents, and the antithrombotic approach in cardiac disease.
To develop a rational approach to antithrombotic therapy, in cardiac disease, a sound understanding is required (1) of the hemostatic processes leading to thrombosis, (2) of the various antithrombotic agents, and (3) of the relative risks of thrombosis and thromboembolism in the various cardiac disease entities. With the understanding of pathogenesis and risk of thrombus formation, a rational approach to the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents can be formulated. ⋯ Patients at low risk of thrombus formation should not receive antithrombotics. Such rational approach to antithrombotic therapy serves as the basis of this article.