Viewpoint: The prothrombotic state in heart failure: A maladaptive inflammatory response?

Patients with heart failure (HF) are at an increased risk of stroke, sudden death and venous thromboembolism, which are all linked to thrombus formation (thrombogenesis). The present 'viewpoint' article will discuss how the prothrombotic state in HF may be perpetuated by a chronic inflammatory state that is maladaptive. Indeed, there is considerable evidence that thrombogenesis and endothelial (dys)function can be intimately linked to inflammation in HF. (c) 2006 European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.