Recent Advances in Understanding Platelet Function in Atherosclerosis and Stroke

This review aims to summarise recent progress in understanding the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and stroke.In recent years, increasing evidence has demonstrated that platelets are not only crucial players in the development and progression of atherosclerosis but also key contributors to the onset of stroke, particularly ischaemic stroke.First, this article introduces the physiological functions of platelets and their mechanistic involvement in atherosclerosis, followed by a discussion of the potential mechanisms by which platelets participate in stroke pathogenesis.It further explores the bridging role of platelets in linking these two vascular diseases.Finally, the current research limitations and challenges are assessed, and future research directions are proposed.This review is intended to provide theoretical insights for understanding the mechanisms of cerebrovascular diseases and developing targeted intervention strategies.