Platelet aggregation is a core step in hemostasis—and when it’s dysregulated, it drives thrombosis. In this lecture from This is Why, Dr. Busti will break down platelet physiology in a clear, clinically relevant way so you can understand how platelets form a primary hemostatic plug, how a thrombus develops, and why this process matters in real patient care.

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You’ll learn how to:

- How platelet adhesion starts (the role of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and GPIb)

- How platelet activation amplifies the response (ADP and thromboxane A2 / TXA2)

- How platelet aggregation occurs (GPIIb/IIIa binding fibrinogen)

- The key endogenous “brakes” that limit clot growth (nitric oxide and prostacyclin / PGI2)

- How clinicians think about platelet function testing and antiplatelet drugs in practice

The goal = make medical education easy and clinically relevant.

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Chapter Table of Contents
00:00 Platelet activation and aggregation: why it matters clinically
01:37 Platelets 101: role in arterial vs venous thrombosis
02:24 Normal platelet count range and what “abnormal” means
03:40 Thrombocytopenia: bleeding risk thresholds you must know
04:09 Major causes of low platelets (ITP, TTP/HUS, HIT, DIC)
05:02 Why platelets drop: destruction vs decreased production vs sequestration
06:54 Hemostasis overview: clot initiation, plug formation, breakdown
07:22 Endothelial injury: collagen + vWF trigger platelet activation
09:21 Clinical outcomes: MI, ischemic stroke, DVT complications
09:50 White vs red thrombus: composition drives therapy
11:25 Antiplatelets vs anticoagulants: why drug choice differs by clot type
14:03 Key platelet activators and drug targets (P2Y12, TxA2, GPIIb/IIIa)
18:30 Natural antiplatelet forces: nitric oxide and prostacyclin (PGI2)
19:50 Platelet function testing and real-world monitoring options

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#PlateletAggregation #Thrombosis #Hemostasis #PlateletPhysiology #drbusti

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Disclaimer:

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace individualized evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition and never delay care because of educational content.