Are there markers of the blood-vessel wall interaction and of thrombus formation that can be used clinically?

Abstract

The interaction between blood factors and the vessel wall is important in the development of common cardiovascular diseases. Clinical markers of these interactions should be sought to help in the understanding of the processes involved, and such markers should ideally be available to identify people at risk from the disease, screen relatives, help identify appropriate treatment, and monitor the outcome of the therapy. Various aspects of platelet interaction with the vessel wall can be used, as can some changes in levels of coagulation factors, fibrinolytic proteins, and natural anticoagulants. All have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of having the attributes of the ideal marker that would identify the pathophysiological processes and be reproducible, inexpensive, and easy to perform. This review will consider the value of various clinical markers, taking account of their advantages and disadvantages.