Atherosclerosis—an inflammatory disease

R Ross - New England journal of medicine, 1999 - Mass Medical Soc
R Ross
New England journal of medicine, 1999Mass Medical Soc
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 …
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 . . .
The New England Journal Of Medicine