Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors in cardiovascular medicine

Article Abstract:

An overview of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors is provided. Blood clots form by the clumping together of platelets. The glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor is located on the platelet membrane. When the protein receptor is activated it binds to fibrinogen, which forms a bridge to other platelets, thus forming an aggregate. Various drugs have been developed that bind to the receptor, blocking the binding of fibrinogen, and thus preventing clot formation. These drugs include lamifiban, abciximab, and Integrelin. Some of these drugs have been effective in treating patients with cardiovascular disorders. Lamifiban may help prevent heart attacks, and abciximab may help prevent blockage of blood vessels after angioplasty. The greatest risk of taking these drugs is bleeding, and the best length of treatment has yet to be determined.

Cardiovascular diseases, Drug therapy, Anticoagulants (Medicine), Anticoagulants

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Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blockade and low-dose heparin during percutaneous coronary revascularization

Article Abstract:

The monoclonal antibody abciximab may reduce the risk of complications from coronary angioplasty and atherectomy. These are procedures to open clogged coronary arteries. Abciximab blocks the receptor on blood platelets, which are involved in blood clotting. Researchers gave 2,792 patients undergoing angioplasty abciximab or a placebo, in both cases combined with low-dose or standard-dose heparin. Abciximab reduced the risk of heart attack, death or need for further procedures by 56%. This was true even in those on low-dose heparin. It did not significantly increase the risk of major bleeding.

Health aspects, Prevention, Complications and side effects, Monoclonal antibodies, Ischemia, Transluminal angioplasty, Balloon angioplasty

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Coronary-artery stents - gauging, gorging, and gouging

Article Abstract:

Coronary artery stenting has been widely adopted by cardiologists despite the lack of research proving its effectiveness. Stents are small metal cylinders that are placed inside a coronary artery to keep it open. They are used in patients with coronary artery disease. Although stents can reduce the need for further surgery or angioplasty, they may also increase the risk of heart attack and death. Furthermore, stents are expensive. Four stent manufacturers dominate the market, and they charge 60% less for the same stent in Canada as they do in the US.

Care and treatment, Editorial, Coronary heart disease, Atherosclerosis, Stent (Surgery), Stents

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