1. Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; 2. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
Platelet activation and aggregation play pivotal pathophysiological roles in the recurrence of ischaemic events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The level of on-treatment platelet reactivity is an important determinant for clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)1 and is affected by several factors including diabetes, smoking, drug interactions, and genetics (e.g., CYP2C19)2. In this regard, the investigation of modifiable factors affecting platelet reactivity is of considerable clinical relevance to improve patient outcome.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease that is secreted by the liver, binds to the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, and ...