The evolving literature clearly indicates that atherosclerosis represents a chronic
inflammatory process that increases the risk for intraluminal thrombosis and incidence
of ischemic stroke and heart attack. The understanding of the immune system's role
in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis will help to modify our utilization of medications
that minimize the influence of the inflammatory character of the plaque and potentially
reduce the risk of plaque destabilization and thromboembolic events. Recognition of
biological markers and susceptibility genes will further improve the ability to predict
the at-risk population and target susceptible patient populations to early interventional
therapeutic modalities.
Atherosclerosis - inflammation - infection - therapy - C-reactive protein - T-lymphocytes
