Effects of enhanced counterpulsation on vascular cell release of coagulation factors

Vascular endothelial cells play a critical role in the regulation of coagulation because they control the expression of tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, von Willebrand factor, and D-dimers. Our results suggest EECP may not play a role in controlling coagulation in patients with coronary artery disease through release of endothelial hemostatic factors. Although there was a tendency for increased VEGF release, larger studies are necessary to confirm these observations.