Inflammation and the Heart: The Role of Traditional Factors

About 50% of cardiac patients do not have typical cardiac risk factors. Therefore, it is important to search for additional factors that may be responsible for heart disease. If these factors are identified, the test could help predict high-risk cardiovascular patients. The studies about the etiology of coronary artery disease have led to the discovery of novel biomarkers. Recently, accumulating evidence has highlighted the critical role of both systemic and localized inflammatory markers accompanied by atherosclerosis and cardiac conditions. Particularly, higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers like CRP can lead to cardiovascular diseases. This article presents an analysis of the causes of heart disease, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and plaque rupture, with a special focus on the role of inflammation as a contributing factor. Additionally, the article examines ways to reduce the inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease.