Antithrombotic Therapy
Antithrombotic therapy, which includes therapies targeting platelets as well as the coagulation system, is used to prevent and treat thromboembolic disease. Antiplatelet agents are most frequently used to prevent stroke and myocardial infarction, but they are also used in patients with peripheral arterial disease and may have a modest benefit in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). Anticoagulant agents are most frequently used to prevent and treat VTE, to prevent stroke and peripheral arterial embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, and to prevent thromboembolic complications in patients with prosthetic heart valves. The clinical laboratory plays a critical role in the evaluation and management of patients on these therapies.
