Platelet Function Assessment for Atherothrombotic Patients

Background-Despite the pivotal pathogenic role of platelets in atherothrombosis has been widely recognized, there is a striking lack of consensus regarding how to measure platelet function and how to monitor the effects of various antiplatelet drugs. In view of the fact that recurrent ischemic events occurred in 8.5% to 8.8% of patients treated with dual antiplatelet drugs and there is significant inter-individual variability in platelet reactivity, we believe that the importance of platelet function assessment and its clinical implication should not be overlooked.