QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GLOSSARY
Coagulation
The process by which clotting (thrombosis) takes place.
The process is initiated in two main ways:
- In arteries, such as the coronary arteries, platelets are
involved. Platelets react with a blood protein called
fibrinogen. This is followed
by activation of the "coagulation
cascade".
The end product of these reactions is thrombin; thrombin
then reacts with fibrinogen in solution to form fibrin,
a precipitate
(ie
solid).
- Inherited defects in the coagulation cascade cause the bleeding
disorder called haemophilia.
Fibrin-rich clots are the type usually found in clots in
veins. These are treated with anticoagulants.
Platelet-rich clots are the type usually found in arteries,
including coronary arteries. Anticoagulants are less effective
than anti-platelet
drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel.
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