Arterial and venous thromboembolic disorders.

ACS, acute coronary syndrome; AF, atrial fibrillation; DVT, deep vein thrombosis; PAD, peripheral arterial disease; PE, pulmonary embolism; TIA, transient ischemic attack.

Role of platelets in thrombosis. Platelets adhere to collagen and vMF exposed at sites of vascular injury through receptors that are constitutively expressed on their surface. Adherent platelets integrate signals, change their shape, and release ADP and TXA2, which activate ambient platelets and recruit them to the site of injury. Platelet activation triggers signaling pathways that induce a conformational change in GPIIb/IIIa ( IIb 3), the most abundant integrin on the platelet surface, which increases its affinity for fibrinogen. Bound fibrinogen then bridges adjacent platelets to form aggregates. ADP, adenosine diphosphate; TXA2, thromboxane A2; vWF, von Willebrand factor.