Abstract:Endothelial microparticles are submicron membrane vesicles shed from plasma membranes in response to endothelial cell activation or injury and play a major biological role in adhesion, inflammation and angiogenesis.Recent studies indicate that endothelial microparticles are involved in the development of coronary heart disease for their close association with oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and vulnerable plaque rupture.Thus, elucidating their role and their mechanisms of formation will bring new insights into the understanding of coronary heart disease.