[Functional heterogeneity of the von Willebrand factor: pathogenetic significance and practical aspects of use in cardiology].

This review focuses on the participation of von Willebrand factor (VWF), that considerably contributes to thrombogenesis in damaged blood vessels, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis-induced cardiovascular pathology. Excessive formation and dysfunction of VWF leads to intravascular thrombosis and facilitates the development of endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and, thereby, the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The review presents information based on the analysis of full-text publications from PubMed that address the role of VWF in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications as well as the potential for influencing this index.