Antithrombotic pharmacology · Foundations

Hemostasis and thrombosis

The same clotting machinery can protect or obstruct a vessel.

Hemostasis

A regulated response to vascular injury that limits blood loss.

A localized seal

Bleeding stops. The vessel repairs, and the clot is remodeled and removed.

Thrombosis

Pathologic clot formation within the circulation that can impair blood flow.

An intravascular thrombus

Flow may be obstructed, or part of the thrombus may detach and embolize.

Both use platelets and fibrin. Treatment shifts the balance: prevent the clot, but guard against the bleed.

Context and explanation

Sources and model limits