QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GLOSSARY
Coagulation
The process by which clotting (thrombosis) takes place.
The process is initiated in two main ways:
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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).
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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.