Foundation and sites of action of antithrombotic agents

Thromboembolic disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. As knowledge of the complex interactions between the vessel wall, platelets and coagulation and fibrinolytic enzyme systems increases, new avenues for more effective and safer therapies become evident. In this review, we discuss mechanisms of hemostasis in relation to antithrombotic agents and results of clinical trials using these drugs.