Atherosclerosis — An Inflammatory Disease

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease. Because high plasma concentrations of cholesterol, in particular those of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, are one of the principal risk factors for atherosclerosis,¹ the process of atherogenesis has been considered by many to consist largely of the accumulation of lipids within the artery wall; however, it is much more than that. Despite changes in lifestyle and the use of new pharmacologic approaches to lower plasma cholesterol concentrations,^2,3 cardiovascular disease continues to be the principal cause of death in the United States, Europe, and much of Asia.^4,5 In fact, the lesions of atherosclerosis represent . . .