The pathogenesis and spectrum of acute coronary syndromes: From plaque formation to thrombosis

ABSTRACT

Acute coronary syndromes occur when an unstable atherosclerotic plaque erodes or ruptures, exposing the highly thrombogenic material inside the plaque to the circulating blood and triggering rapid formation of a thrombus that occludes the artery. This understanding is leading to a wide variety of new therapies. It is hoped that further research into the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes will lead to more accurate markers of risk and more specific preventions and treatments.