Platelet adhesion in congestive heart failure.

Congestive heart failure is characterised by increased thromboembolic events, stroke and sudden death. This may be related to a prothrombotic state, abnormal thrombogenesis, endothelial damage/dysfunction and platelet abnormalities [1]. An abnormal state of platelet activation may contribute to the pro-coagulant state in congestive heart failure (CHF). The normal function of platelets includes adhesion to the sub-endothelial matrix, aggregation with other platelets, shape change and clot retraction [2]. Several of these studies functions involve receptors on the platelet surface (such as gpIIb/ IIIa) and interactions with matrix constituents (such as fibrinogen) [2]. Other methods for studying platelet function include measurement of plasma