Inflammatory processes are involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions, as well as in the development of atheroma complications,[1] and markers of inflammation may reflect subclinical vascular inflammation and be useful diagnostic tools.[2] C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase reactant, is a marker of inflammation, and has been shown to independently predict risk of future cardiovascular events among initially healthy men and women.[3]–[6] However, since CRP levels can be influenced by age, smoking, body mass index, and other clinical or environmental risk factors,[7]–[9] it remains to be determined whether CRP acts causally in atherogenesis, in addition to serving as a reliable marker of future events.[10]
