Blood Coagulation and Thrombotic Disease

Abstract

The role of blood coagulation in the pathogenesis of thrombotic disease as well as atherosclerosis is receiving renewed attention, and has been greatly extended into the area of therapy. The clotting mechanism has been delineated in accordance with most recent information, with particular reference to the early phases and the coagulation balance. The close relationship between clotting and proteolytic phenomena is considered, and the concept of hypercoagulability is critically scrutinized. Experimentally induced thrombosis by means of serum factors is reviewed in support of this concept. Also discussed is the place of lipids in coagulation and atherosclerosis in an attempt to embrace the lipid theory of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis with current concepts of clotting. Finally, certain aspects of anticoagulant action are covered.