Inflammation Beats Cholesterol: A Comment on the Unequivocal Driver of Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Despite advancements in the current standard of care, cardiovascular diseases continue to hold the top spot as the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The development of atherosclerosis is the most common culprit behind ailments such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Consequently, it imposes a significant burden on life expectancy, quality of life, morbidity, and societal costs. Both increased cholesterol levels and the activation of the inflammatory cascade are known as cardiovascular risk facts. Their relative weight is in the spotlight of curent biomedical research. Newly published data shed light on the role of inflammation in determining cardiovascular risk irrespective of cholesterol levels and cholesterol-lowering therapies.

Automated summary

Despite advancements in standard care, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis is the main culprit behind heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular diseases, imposing significant burdens on life expectancy, quality of life, morbidity, and costs. Elevated cholesterol levels and inflammation have been recognized as cardiovascular risk factors, and recent research highlights the role of inflammation in determining cardiovascular risk independent of cholesterol levels and treatments.