Thrombosis in unstable angina
Article Abstract:
Unstable angina is caused by disruption of atherosclerotic fat deposits, causing the formation of blood clots. Formation of blood clots can cause complete blockage of a blood vessel and a heart attack. It can also injure blood vessels and the heart. A research study found that unstable angina patients with troponin T in their blood were more likely to have a heart attack or die than those who did not. Troponin T is a heart muscle protein that may be released into the blood after heart muscle injury. Patients with unstable angina are treated with aspirin and heparin to prevent blood clot formation and a subsequent heart attack. Patients treated with only heparin for unstable angina were more likely to have a recurrence after discontinuation of treatment than those treated with aspirin or a combination of aspirin and heparin. Discontinuation of treatment with heparin may reactivate blood clot formation. New drugs are need to be developed to break up blood clots and heal injured tissue.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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The pathogenesis of coronary artery disease and the acute coronary syndromes
Article Abstract:
Coronary artery disease and the acute coronary syndromes - heart attack and angina pectoris - are caused by a build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries that eventually cracks and is healed by a blood clot that blocks the artery. The factors that influence plaque disruption and clot formation are described. The pathological events underlying angina - stable and unstable - and heart attacks are discussed. Coronary artery disease and the acute coronary syndromes can be prevented by lowering blood cholesterol and using drugs - such as aspirin - that prevent the formation of blood clots.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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