Editorial: Cardiovascular & Renal: Numerous approaches to reducing platelet aggregation

Platelet aggregation is fundamental to arterial thrombus formation, and antiplatelet agents, i.e., agents that act to reduce platelet aggregation, are of value in improving survival in those at risk of thrombo-embolic events [1]. The antiplatelet agent that is most commonly used as antithrombotic therapy is aspirin, which inhibits the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme and, thereby, inhibits thromboxane synthesis. However, there are many other approaches to interfering with platelet aggregation. What follows is a summary of the mechanisms involved in platelet aggregation and of the numerous approaches to reducing platelet aggregation that have been identified.