Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
05:51

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

Published on: May 6, 2014

Inflammation and atherosclerosis in acute coronary syndromes

Blaithnead M Murtagh1, H Vernon Anderson

  • 1Cardiology Division, University of Texas, 6431 Fannin, Suite 1246, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

The Journal of Invasive Cardiology
|July 30, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Inflammation plays a key role in coronary artery disease progression and acute events. Understanding inflammatory markers and treatments is crucial for risk identification and prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) involves complex inflammatory processes.
  • Chronic inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of inflammation in CAD, from chronic development to acute events.
  • To explore the utility of inflammatory markers for risk stratification and prevention.
  • To discuss current and future therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation in CAD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of biochemical reactions in inflammation.
  • Analysis of the link between inflammation and atherosclerotic vascular disease.
  • Evaluation of inflammatory markers for patient risk identification.
  • Discussion of pharmacologic therapies impacting inflammation.

Main Results:

  • Inflammation drives atherosclerotic vascular disease and acute coronary syndromes.
  • Inflammatory markers show potential for risk assessment and prevention.
  • Current therapies have varying impacts on inflammation; novel agents are emerging.

Conclusions:

  • Inflammation is a central mechanism in CAD.
  • Targeting inflammation offers a promising avenue for CAD management and prevention.
  • Further research into inflammatory pathways and targeted therapies is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response01:26

Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response

Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect damage-associated...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...