Platelets in Cardiovascular Disease provides an in-depth and current coverage of relevant platelet biology and antiplatelet therapy that is in clinical use today and potentially for the future. The book provides a succinct overview of the critical role of platelets in cardiovascular medicine. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and recent research has found that the platelet is central to the genesis of heart attacks and stroke as well as many of the complications of angioplasty and bypass surgery. An explosion of knowledge of the biology of platelets has established their important role in the formation of blood clots and, perhaps more intriguingly, their role as inflammatory cells. This growth in information has been paralleled by the development of several drugs that can interfere with platelet action and thereby improve patient outcomes. Indeed, several antiplatelet drugs already in development may ultimately lead to marked advances in both the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Drawing upon a panel of international experts, Platelets in Cardiovascular Disease delivers a concise yet thorough review of the major developments in antiplatelet therapy. Practicing clinicians as well as those involved in the development of new antithrombotic therapies will find the book interesting and useful. Sample Chapter(s). Chapter 1: Platelet Biology the Role of Platelets in Hemostasis, Thrombosis and Inflammation (274 KB). Contents: Platelet Biology: The Role of Platelets in Hemostasis, Thrombosis and Inflammation (R C Becker); Thromboxane Antagonists (B R Dulin & S R Steinhubl); Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors (S J Lehman et al.); ADP Receptor Antagonists (J Karha & C P Cannon); Monitoring Antiplatelet Therapy (P Harrison & A D Michelson); Platelet Genomics (B K Jefferson et al.); Future Strategies for the Development of Antiplatelet Drugs (R A Harrington). Readership: Physicians: cardiologists, vascular medicine specialists, hematologists; physicians in training: fellows, residents, interns; pharmacists; pharmaceutical industry: scientists, sales representatives.

This book reviews current science and applications in fields including thrombosis and hemostasis, signal transduction, and non-thrombotic conditions such as inflammation, allergy and tumor metastasis. It is a detailed, up-to-date, highly referenced text for clinical scientists and physicians, including recent developments in this rapidly expanding field. More than a scientific resource, this is also an authoritative reference and guide to the diagnosis.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.

Using an evidence-based approach, the authors present a detailed overview of the syndrome of heart failure. They examine the causes, pathophysiology, investigation, diagnosis, and treatment (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) with emphasis on recently-published studies. Chapters focus on antiarrhythmic and antithrombotic therapy, beta blockers and inotropes, and other vasodilators such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers. The book is fully illustrated throughout with color photographs and radiographic, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram images. It will be of interest to cardiologists and general physicians in training, general practitioners, cardiac technicians and nurses, and medical students.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Coronary and Peripheral Arterial Disease is a complete reference containing updated information on the advantages and disadvantages of dual antiplatelet therapy, its duration, composition and anticipated changes. The basis for DAPT in arterial disease is discussed, allowing readers to understand platelet physiology and its relevance to ischemic events. Data on shorter than usual duration of DAPT, and on extended therapy beyond the recommendation of current guidelines is presented in great detail, summarizing a large body of evidence into concrete, relevant recommendation that is readily adaptable by practicing clinicians. A clinically relevant and updated compendium of data pertaining to this field is also presented, as well as the anticipated trends and innovations likely to occur in the next 3-5 years. Summarizes a large body of evidence into concrete, relevant recommendations that is readily adapted by practicing clinicians Explores the current status of DAPT, controversial topics, and future developments and trends in this field Edited and contributed by renowned cardiologists in the field

Most patients with cerebrovascular diseases are treated with antiplatelet drugs. Basic thromosis research showed that platelets are an important factor in the pathogenesis of ar- therosclerosis and its complications, but other compounds as macrophages and vessel wall factors are also involved in this process. The aim of this volume is to connect labora- tory findings with clinical applications.