Thrombosis pathways

Thrombosis pathways represent the integrated physiological processes of primary hemostasis and secondary hemostasis that prevent excessive bleeding following vascular injury [1]. The coagulation cascade involves a series of zymogen activations, traditionally divided into the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, which converge on the common pathway to generate thrombin and ultimately a stable fibrin clot [2]. Pathological activation of these pathways leads to thrombosis, the formation of an obstructive blood clot within a vessel, which is a primary driver of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke [3]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways include anticoagulants that inhibit clotting factors, antiplatelet agents that prevent aggregation, and thrombolytics that degrade existing clots [4]. Management of these pathways requires a delicate balance between preventing thrombosis and maintaining sufficient hemostatic capacity to avoid life-threatening hemorrhage [5].

Other names

Coagulation cascadeHemostatic pathwaysBlood clotting cascadeThrombotic pathways

Drugs targeting these pathways act by inhibiting specific coagulation factors such as Factor Xa or Thrombin, blocking platelet receptors like P2Y12, or promoting the enzymatic breakdown of fibrin clots [1][4].