Summary

The sequence of events that leads to atherosclerosis and plaque rupture remains a fruitful area of cardiology research. There is growing evidence that there is heterogeneity in monocytes that plays a role in the inflammatory pathways of disease. Monocytes contribute to the atherosclerotic process as precursors of foam cells in the atherosclerotic plaque. This article discusses recent developments in inflammation research and gives an update on lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and its role as a marker of inflammation.