Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in Acute Coronary Syndromes
We review the role of inflammation in coronary artery disease, particularly its conversion from a chronic to an acute illness. An overview is provided of the various biochemical reactions that are grouped under the heading of inflammation and which lead to the development and progression of atherosclerotic vascular disease and its clinical consequences, especially acute coronary syndromes. The potential role of inflammatory markers in identifying patients at risk and for primary and secondary prevention of events is explored. The impact of current pharmacologic therapies on inflammation and possible future medicines are also discussed.

In this brief review, we explore the role of inflammation in coronary artery disease and especially its conversion from a chronic to an acute illness. Inflammatory processes participate quite heavily all the way from the initial stages of vascular endothelial cell perturbations to the later eventual rupture of the "vulnerable plaque" that leads to an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It is this final degenerative phase that is responsible for the great majority of devastating clinical events. We explore the potential role of inflammatory markers in identifying patients at risk and for primary and secondary prevention of events. Finally, we discuss the impact of current pharmacologic therapies on inflammation and look ahead to possible future medicines.